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/ 

BLENNERHASSETT 

4-s 



OR 



The Irony of Fate 



A DRAMATIC ROMANCE 

IN 

A Prologue and Four Acts 



Founded upon Incidents in the Life of Harman Blennerhassett, 

his wife Margaret, Aaron Burr, his daughter 

Theodosia, and Alexander Hamilton 



by 

CHARLES FELTON PIDGIN 





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O ' 1 


BOSTON 




c. 


M. 


Clark Publishing Co 






1901 








v. 





THE LI3RARY OF 

CONGRESS, 
Two Copies Receiveo 

MAY. It 1901 

Copyright entry 

CLASS <*- Xjfe. N». 

COPY B. 






cs 



>, 



Copyright, 1881, by 
Charles Felton Pidgin, Boston, Mass., U. S. A. 

Copyright, 1900, by 
Charles Felton Pidgin, Boston, Mass., U. S. A. 



Rights of Translation, Public Readings, and Novelization 
Reserved. 



CHARACTERS IN THE PROLOGUE. 

Aaron Burr, Vice-President of the United States, late a Colonel in the 

Revolutionary Army. 
Alexander Hamilton, a prominent New York lawyer, late a General in 

the army, and Secretary of the Treasury. 
William Van Ness, Burr's second. 
Nathaniel Pendleton, Hamilton's second. 
Dr. David Hosack, a surgeon. 
Frederic Clarke, a New Jersey farmer's son. 
Duke, a colored bargeman. 
Kate Embleton, a milkmaid; an orphan. 

CHARACTERS IN THE PLAY. 

Col. Aaron Burr, late Vice-President of the United States. 

Harman Blennerhassett, a wealthy and highly educated gentleman. 

Joseph Alston, Burr's son-in-law. 

Graham, confidential agent of the U. S. government. 

Dr. David Hosack, a physician. 

Capt. Clarke, of the Ohio Militia. 

Ransome, Mr. Blennerhassett's colored servant. 

Margaret Blennerhassett, wife of Harman. 

Theodosia Burr Alston, Burr's daughter. 

Kate Embleton, a protegl of Col. Burr's. 

SCENES. 

Prologue — A field at Weehawken, New Jersey, 1804. 

Act I. — Hall in Blennerhassett's Mansion on Blennerhassett's Island in the 

Ohio River. 1805. 
Act II. — Drawing Room in Blennerhassett's Mansion. The next day. 
Act III. — Same as Act II. 1806. 
Act IV. — Aaron Burr's Law Office in New York City. 181 2. 



Notes. — The play is founded on incidents in the lives of Harman Blen- 
nerhassett, his wife Margaret, Aaron Burr and his daughter Theodosia. It is 
thoroughly American in scene and incident. It is necessarily historical to a 
certain degree, but that feature is subordinated to a strong love story. The 
truth of the poet's words, " The paths of glory lead but to the grave," is 
nowhere more plainly shown than in the life of Aaron Burr. The death of 
Hamilton, Burr's dreams of conquest, the ruin of Blennerhassett, the trial of 
Burr for treason, the sad death of Theodosia, are the most strikingly interest- 
ing episodes in American history, and the most susceptible of effective 
dramatic treatment. More than half the language put in Burr's mouth is 
taken from his own letters, speeches, and note books. 



PROLOGUE. 



{A field at Weehawken, N. /.. July n, 1804. Time, 6.30 a. m. 

For scene, see Farton's "Life of Burr." Wing scene — 

View of river on flat — wood scene. Enter 

Frederic up stage R. comes down, 

looks R. and Z., comes C.) 

Frederic. Where can she be? Can I have missed her? I have 
grown to love that girl in spite of myself, and I pass the day in 
thinking of the joy of seeing her, alone, in the morning. Perhaps 
I am too early. I will look up the road. {Goes up stage, exit 
L. U. E. Enter Kate, L. 1 E. with pail of milk, goes R., sits 
on dank near tree R.) 

Kate. I have seen no signs of him this morning. Only a passing 
fancy of his, I suppose. Rich farmers' sons don't usually make 
love to their father's servants, but this may be an exception. 
Frederic {looks around), I mean Mr. Clarke, seems to enjoy my 
company, and I don't suppose it would be ladylike to tell him 
that I don't enjoy his ; it would be untrue, anyway, for the weight 
of my day of toil is lightened by our cheerful morning conversa- 
tions. {Rising.) He isn't coming, so I will keep on to Farmer 
Wilkins'. (Starts to go out R. 1 E. Enter Fred. Z, U. E.) 

Fred. Kate! {Kate turns as Fred comes down C.) Good morning, 
Kate, and it is a lovely morning, isn't it? I was afraid I had 
missed you, Kate. 

Kale. Missed me? It would have been more polite if you had. 

Fred. (Laughing.) Oh ! you prefer to be called Miss Kate. I will 
try and be more polite, I will call you Miss Embleton if you will 
let me take your milk pail and walk with you as far as the stile. 

Kate. I don't know as I shall allow any such thing. What would 
your father say if he saw you with the milk pail on one arm? 
(Fred takes up pail.) 

Fred. And you on the other. ( Offers arm which Kate takes laugh- 
ingly.) Well, my father is apt to take his choice expression from 
Scripture. 



2 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Kate. What could he find to say to suit this occasion? 

Fred. Well, he could say scripturally and truthfully that his son 

was in a land with milk one side {holding up pail) and honey on 

the other. 
Kate. {Taking her hand from his arm.) Give me my pail, Mr. 

Clarke — keep such sweet compliments for your wife. 
Fred. {Putting down pail. ) Kate, I want to talk to you, and no 

nonsense either. Real, true, hard facts, and I want your opinion. 

Come, Miss Kate, let us sit down. {They sit on bank.) 
Kate. I don't know as a young girl like myself, your father's 

servant, should be the confidante of a rich man's son. 
Fred. You are the only woman who can answer my question, Kate. 

I had a long talk with my father last night. 
Kate. I hope you both enjoyed it. I rarely derive any pleasure 

from his conversation. 
Fred. It was pleasant, for a wonder. I told him I had decided 

upon my future course — either to marry {Kate starts) or go out 

and begin life for myself. 
Kate. He thinks you had better go west, don't he? 
Fred. I think he might on general principles, but when I told him 

whom I wished to marry {Kate starts again) he said he would 

give me the Cushman farm and a thousand dollars. What do you 

think of that ? 
Kate. Remarkably generous, for him. But what will she — the 

woman — you — what will she say? 
Fred. I 'm going to ask her — 
Kate. A very sensible idea. Take my advice and do it at once. 

Your father may change his mind. Well, I 'm glad, Mr. Clarke, 

you have found a woman — whom you love, and {taking up her 

pail) I hope she will love you and make you a good wife. I must 

go now, Mr, Clarke. 
Fred. Then you consent? 
Kate. I? What have I to do with it? You said you wouldn't talk 

nonsense. 
Fred. And I won't, Kate. Father says you are a nice, honest, 

hard-working girl, just the one for his money — and he would give 

us his blessing — and, Kate, what do you say? {Kate takes his 



BLENNERHASSETT. 3 

arm, and drops her head on his shoulder. Fred embraces her.) 
Come, Kate, I will take the milk pail, for Farmer Wilkins may be 
waiting for his breakfast. But remember, before we reach the 
stile, you must say "yes." 

Kate. We will walk very slowly — Frederic — for it is a very 
important question to me. 

Fred. And your answer will be very important to me, 

(They exeunt, arm in arm, R. i F.) 

(Enter L. U. F., Col. Burr and Mr. Van Ness. They come down.) 

Van Ness. We are here first, Colonel. 

Burr. I have always tried to be the first upon the field of honor, 
and the last to leave it. 

Van Ness. It falls to us to select the ground, Colonel. Shall we 
choose this, or look for a better place ? 

Burr. If I were sure I am to fall, I would choose this place to 
say my farewell to earth. My opponent may be more particular. 
We will look further. If we fare no better we shall yet be sure 
of this. 

Van Ness. One word, Colonel, and pardon it from a man whom 
you know to be a good friend. 

Burr. (Clasps Van Ness 1 hand.) Van Ness, you have stuck 
closer to me than a brother ; you may wring my heart and trample 
on my feelings and yet I shall be your debtor. Speak out, Van 
Ness, what troubles you? 

Van Ness. You know it is the usual custom for the seconds to try 
and arrange matters without a recourse to arms. 

Burr. In this instance, it will be a mere form. 

Van Ness. Why so? Suppose Gen. Hamilton shows any dispo- 
sition — 

Burr. He will not. His attitude is the result of false pride and 
not of sober reflection. Even if his reason, as it must, con- 
demned his treatment of me, his pride would force him to face 
me, and to refuse any reparation. That is not true bravery. A 
man should never be willing to die, or cause the death of another, 
from false pride. 

Van Ness. Your words lead to what I was going to say — and that 
is, if Gen. Hamilton should show a disposition to — 



4 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Col. Burr. Pardon me, my dear Van Ness — but you will have no 
occasion to arrange a compromise ; but if you should, you may 
proceed on this ground. You can say Col. Burr disavows virtually 
all motives of predetermined hostility, and will accept any repara- 
tion that will successfully refute the slanders from which he has 
suffered. I can do no more — nor less. Come, Van Ness, let us 
not forget our duties as the Committee of Arrangements. 

(Exeunt Burr and Van Ness, R. U. E.) 

(Enter Ered and Kate R. i E., without the pail.) 

Fred. As we turned the bend in the road I saw a boat at the little 
landing. 

Kate. Who can it be ? There is no game here to shoot. 

Fred. The men who shoot here bring their own game — they make 
game of each other. 

Kate. Are you making game of me ? 

Fred. No, far from it, Kate ; within a hundred feet from where we 
stand, three years ago the son of Gen. Hamilton was killed in a 
duel. A youth of twenty, brave but inexperienced, he fell the 
victim of the crafty skill of an adept duellist. Within the past 
fortnight a misunderstanding has existed between his father, Gen. 
Hamilton, and Col. Aaron Burr. It is not improbable that they 
have come here to fight. 

Kate. It is horrible to think that the father may die upon the same 
field where his son fell a victim. 

Fred. That will never be. A righteous Heaven will never allow 
such a patriot as Alexander Hamilton to fall by the hand of 
Aaron Burr, a man who ruins a friend with as little feeling as he 
would an enemy. 

Kate. I always thought he had most devoted friends. 

Fred. Among the women of society, yes, but the men all hate him. 

Kate. That isn't the reason why the men hate him so, is it? 

Fred. What reason (a little angrily') . 

Kate. Why, because the women are such good friends of his. 

Fred. Don't be silly, Kate. I revere Gen. Hamilton. I hate 
Aaron Burr, and I could never be friendly with any one who took 
his part. 



BLENNERHASSETT. 5 

Kate. You are unreasonable. Supposing I said I thought Col. 
Burr was a handsome man and a brave officer? 

Fred. I should allow his good looks, but deny his bravery. Why. 
he was the silent enemy and detractor of Washington, who would 
not advance him because he could not trust him; 'and Gen. 
Hamilton says to-day he is not a man to be trusted. 

Kate. Somebody must trust him or he could not be Vice-Presi- 
dent of the United States ; and he must be a brave man for I 
have read that when Gen. Richard Montgomery was shot on the 
plains of Abraham before Quebec, " little Burr," as they called 
him, took the body and carried it from the battle-field amid a 
shower of bullets. It took a brave man to do that {satirically) . 

Fred. He should engage you to plead his cause. Your eloquence 
is almost overpowering, but it doesn't change my mind. I think 
Aaron Burr is a villain, and no honest woman should think other- 
wise. 

Kate. But women like villains, sometimes, when they are hand- 
some and brave. 

Fred. Before I marry you, I shall expect you to agree with me on 
this point, or we shall certainly quarrel. 

Kate. And before I marry you I shall insist upon your respecting 
my feelings, and I, for one, think Col. Burr is as good in his way 
as Gen. Hamilton is in his way. 

Fred. Kate, I am surprised. I won't be cross with you, but I 
should hesitate before marrying a woman who saw anything in 
Aaron Burr's life or character to admire. 

Kate. Then you had better hesitate, for I will never marry you 
until you change your mind about Col. Burr. 

Fred. That will never be. I love you, Kate, but you must leave 
politics to me, and be satisfied to take my judgment of our public 
men. I know about them ; you are only governed by a false 
sentiment. Come, Kate, let us stop arguing and go home. 

Kate. I prefer to stay here. 

Fred. Kate, I ask you, if you love me, to come with me to father's, 
and I will tell him you have consented ; the farm and the money 
will be ours. Come, Kate. 



6 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Kate. I want to sit down and think it over. I can't agree to give 
up my honest convictions without a little fight with myself. 

Fred. I ask you once more and for the last time to come with me. 
If you do not I shall tell father I am going to Ohio — that you 
have refused me. 

Kate. Then he will drive me out of doors for daring to refuse you, 
the rich farmer's son. 

Fred. What shall I say to father? 

Kate. (Coldly.') Tell him you are going to Ohio. 

Fred. I will take you at your word. Farewell, Kate, farewell. I 
leave you to the kind attentions of ) 'our friend, Col. Burr. 

{Fred exits L. U. E. Kate falls on bank, R. and bursts into tears. 

Enter Col. Burr and Van Ness, R. U. E.) 

Burr. Well, Van Ness, I think after all, this is the best loca- 
tion. We shall both be free from the intrusion of the sunlight. 
(Going R.) What, a Niobe in tears — no, a nymph. (Kate 
looks up. ) My dear young lady, can I be of service to you ? 

Kate. (Sobbing.) No sir. 

Burr. Allow me to tender my sympathy and my aid ; if you refuse 
both I shall feel aggrieved. 

Kate. It is nothing to interest a stranger. It was a foolish affair 
anyway — but it was all his fault. 

Burr. Ah, I divine — a lover's quarrel. Is the other lady as 
pretty as yourself? 

Kate. It wasn't about a lady, it was about a man. 

Burr. Two strings to your bow. Why should you cry? Have you 
lost them both ? 

Kate. The man we quarreled about neither of us had ever seen. 
He called him a villain and said he would marry no woman who 
spoke well of him. 

Van Ness. (Coming down.) Who was the villain you had such a 
good opinion of? He must be a favored rascal when a lady pre- 
fers to worship him in secret to having a lover in her own right. 

Burr. Yes, who is this precious fellow who thus invisibly charms 
the fairest of her sex? (Takes Kate's hand and kisses it.) 

Kate. (Distrait.) 'Twas Col. Aaron Burr. 



BLENNERHASSETT. 7 

Van Ness. What? Burr? Well, why, Miss 

Burr. {Aside to Van Ness.) Let me manage this. 'Tis too 
sacred to be made a joke of. {To Kate.) And you have never 
seen this Col. Burr, this villain, as your lover called him? 

Kate. No, sir. Have you? Is he so bad? 

Burr. Why did you defend him, if you were so ignorant of his 
character? 

Kate. Because it seems to be the fashion to abuse him and praise 
Gen. Hamilton, and my heart always goes out to one who is 
under a ban. 

Burr. Who are you, Miss ? 

Kate. My name is Kate Embleton. I am an orphan, and a servant 
for Capt. Horatio Clarke, Frederic's father, but I shall have to 
leave now, for his father will never forgive my rejection of his son. 

Burr. You have not rejected him ; the quarrel is not so bad as 
that, /hope. 

Kate. I said I would never marry him until he changed his mind 
about Col. Burr, but he said he should never change his mind. 
So it 's all settled, I suppose. 

Burr. My dear young lady, let me advise you. I know this Col. 
Burr; in fact, I am an intimate acquaintance. He is not such a 
bad man as they say he is — in my opinion — but he would be the 
last person to wish any lady to defend him, if by so doing she lost 
the love of an honest man. He would say, as I do, make up your 
quarrel; whether Col. Burr is a villain or a saint should not 
trouble a happy home in Jersey. {lakes out purse.) I shall 
tell Col. Burr the name of his fair defender, and in case you 
should ever need a friend, go to his residence at Richmond Hill, 
in New York City, and send in your name. He will remember 
you and will {aside) , if he is living, befriend you. And allow me 
to testify his gratitude in a more substantial fashion — with this 
purse, in which you will find enough to give you a fine wedding. 

Kate. But, sir, I ought not to take this from you, an entire 
stranger. 

Burr. No, not an entire stranger. You have defended my friend, 
Col. Burr, and that act makes you my friend. 

Kate. {Taking purse.) And your name, sir? 



8 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Burr. {Kissing Kate's hand.) Think of me only as your friend — 
for we shall probably never meet again. (Turns away.) 

Van Ness. (To Kate, R.) My dear young lady, go, at once. 
Pardon my words, but a matter of urgent business — 

Kate. (To Van Ness.) I can imagine — there is to be a duel — 
Van Ness. Your woman's wit has guessed the truth. 

Kate. And will he ? 

Van Ness. Yes, and as he told you, he may never see you again. 

Kate. And he is Col. Burr's friend ? 

Van Ness. The closest and the dearest one of them all. 

Kate. (Rushing to Burr.) Sir (Burr turns), I am a woman, and 
think duelling is but murder, but, if you are in the right, and I 
feel you must be, I hope we shall meet again. 

(Exits hurriedly, L. i E.) 

Burr. (Coming down C, near Van Ness.) You see, Van Ness, 
a woman who has never known me defends me, and refuses to 
marry the man who spoke ill of me. Many a man has died 
without so pleasant a thought to take with him. But where can 
they be? 

Van Ness. Let us take a little stroll along the river bank ; we can 
see them before they land. 

Burr. Agreed. 

(Takes Van Ness 1 arm. They walk up stage and exit R. U. E. 
An instant, then Gen. Hamilton and Pendleton, his second, enter 
L. U. E. and come down L) 

Hamilton. Is he here ? 

Pendleton. I saw him and his second but a few rods away on the 
river bank as we reached the top of the hill. It lacks but five 
minutes of the hour; they will soon return. General, have you 
anything further to say to me ? 

Hamilton. No, my dear Pendleton, only to thank you for your 
zealous service, your unvarying kindness, your true friendship. 
( They clasp hands. ) I have left in my desk a paper which, if I 
fall, I wish you to give to the public. Last night, in my study, 
alone with my Maker, I wrote the explanation of my being on this 
field of death to-day. 



BLENNERHASSETT. 9 

Pendleton. Rest assured, my dear General, your slightest wish is a 
law to me. 

Hamilton. I know it, Pendleton. Would that I could more fully 
requite such a friendship. This is my first and last duel, 
Pendleton. My relative situation, as well in public as in private, 
enforcing all the considerations which constitute what men of 
the world denominate honor, imposed upon me, as I think, a 
peculiar necessity not to decline this meeting. The ability to be 
in future useful, whether resisting mischief or effecting good, in 
these crises of our public affairs which seem likely to happen, 
would probably be inseparable from a conformity with public 
prejudice in this particular. But should it please God to carry 
me safely through this emergency I will never be engaged in a 
similar transaction. (Raises right hand.) It is my deliberate 
intention to employ all my influence in society to discountenance 
this barbarous custom of duelling. 

Pendleton. But if it were possible to arrange a settlement — 

Hamilton. It will not be. Burr's ruling passion is his ambition, 
and he means to step over my dead body into the President's 
chair. His prejudice against Washington arose from my advance- 
ment and the feeling that Washington trusted me and distrusted 
him. He is implacable in his hatred to me. 

{Enter Burr and Van Ness, R. U. E.) 

Pendleton. They come. 

{They face each other, exchange salivations. Pendleton goes L. 
Hamilton up stage L. Van Ness R. Burr up stage R. Pen- 
dleton and Van Ness walk near centre and shake hands.) 

Van Ness. As the challenging party, it is my duty to suggest what 
is doubtless impossible, — an amicable arrangement of the diffi- 
culties between the principals in this sad affair. Mr. Cooper said 
in his letter {takes out paper, proceeds with), " Gen. Hamilton and 
Judge Kent have declared in substance that they looked upon 
Mr. Burr as a dangerous man, and one who ought not to be 
trusted with the reins of government." To this he added : " I 
could detail to you a still more despicable opinion which Gen. 
Hamilton has expressed of Mr. Burr." 

Pendleton. Gen. Hamilton has declared that he could not deny 
charges so " generally " made, nor affirm them. He has ex- 



IO BLENNERHASSETT. 

pressed his willingness if Col. Burr would state in " detail " any 
charges, he would acknowledge or deny them like a gentleman. 

Van Ness. The remarks made by Gen. Hamilton, Col. Burr under- 
stands to have been of a general nature, and no denial or declara- 
tion will be satisfactory unless it be general, so as to wholly exclude 
the idea that rumors derogatory to Col. Burr's honor have origi- 
nated with Gen. Hamilton or have been fairly inferred from any- 
thing he has said. 

Pendleton, Can Col. Burr point to one public utterance of Gen. 
Hamilton in which he has overstepped the limits allowed in 
political discussion? 

Van Ness. Col. Burr, I am sure, would authorize me to say " that 
secret whispers traducing his fame, and impeaching his honor, 
are, at least, equally injurious with slanders publicly uttered." 

Pendleton. And I am equally positive that Gen. Hamilton would 
never consent to become a sacrifice, and atone in his own person 
for the idle gossip of the members of a great political party 
naturally embittered by a partisan warfare. 

( Van Ness and Pendleton bow to each other, go up stage, exchange a 
few words with their principals. Burr comes down R. and sits 
on bank. Hamilton stands Z.) 

DUEL SCENE. 

To be given i?i full, 

( Ha m ilto n falls . ) 
{Enter Dr. Hosack and Duke from L. U. E. Pendleton raises 
Hamilton in his arms. Dr. Hosack bends over him.) 

Duke. Van Ness. 

O O 

Pendleton. Hosack. Burr. 

o o o 

Hamilton. 
O 

Hamilton. {To Hosack.) Take care of that pistol, doctor; Pen- 
dleton knows I did not intend to fire at him. 
Pendleton. Yes, General, I have told the doctor that you did not. 



BLENNERHASSETT. II 

Hamilton. Let Mrs. Hamilton be sent for immediately — let the 
news be gradually broken to her — but give her hopes. My 
vision is indistinct — remember, Eliza, my wife, you are a 
Christian — doctor, this is a mortal wound. (He sinks, to all 
appearances lifeless.} 

(Enter Fred, dragging Kate by the arm, she resisting.) 

Fred. ( Violently.) Who gave you that money? Point him out to 
me, that I may thrash him for the poltroon that he is ! (Sees 
Hamilton, drops his hold on Kate, rushes R.) Hamilton, dead? 
And who has murdered the father on the same spot where his son 
breathed his last? 

(Kate sees Burr and rushes up stage, extending her hands.) 

Kate. (To Burr.) And you have escaped death? We do meet 
again. 

Fred. (Rushing up stage, drawing Kate C.) Did he (pointing to 
Burr) give you that money? 

Kate. Yes, he is a friend of Col. Burr. 

Fred. Woman, you know that is Burr, himself ! 

(Kate screams and falls senseless, L. of C.) 
It is he who has murdered Hamilton. Give me the money — 
take it — there is blood upon it. 

TABLEAU. 

Pendleton. Burr. Van Ness. Fred. 

o o o o 

Dr. Hosack. 

O 

Duke. Hamilton. 

O O 

Kate. 

O 

CURTAIN. END OF PROLOGUE. 



ACT 1 



Scene : Hall in Blennefhassetfs mansion on Blennerhassetfs 
island. "The hall was a spacious room, its walls painted a 
sombre color, with a beautiful cornice of plaster, bordered with 
a gilt moulding running around the lofty ceiling ; while its fur- 
niture was rich, heavy, and grand." {Enter Capt. Clarke and 
Ransome, C.) 

Ransome. Take a seat, massa. I will speak to missis. Massa's 
taking off his shooting jacket. He 's been out shootin' birds. 

Clarke. So he is going to have a game dinner. 

Ransome. Reckon not, Massa Clarke. {Laughs.) 

Clarke. Why not? 

Ransome. 'Cause he didn't hit 'em. He's terribly nearsighted, 
Massa is. He puts the gun over my shoulder, and then I says, 
level, now level, Massa Blennerhassett, — there, a little to the 
right, — so — and then a little to the left — so, and then I say 
steady, fire ! Off goes the gun and off goes the bird too, and so I 
reckon our company won't have any birds for dinner to-day . 

Clarke. Company ? 

Ransome. Yes, a gentleman from Marietta and two of the most 
beautifulest ladies you ever saw. The wife is mighty pretty, but 
the daughter is just as lively as a squirrel. 

Clarke. {Aside.) lam getting too inquisitive. {To Ransome.) 
What 's the lady's name ? 

Ransome. They call her Kate. 

Clarke. Kate! That name — {To Ransome.) Go, Ransome, I 'm 
in haste to see your master. 

Ransome. Yes, massa. {Aside.) Reckon he don't know any 
putty gal named Kate . {Exits C.) 

Clarke. Kate ! How that name brings back memories of my 
Jersey home and that fatal morning ! She was determined to 
keep the money Burr gave her. J gave her the choice — and 



BLENNERHASSETT. 1 3 

she remained true to that villain. I left home in a month from 
then, came to Ohio, am County Sheriff and captain in the Militia. 
{Enter Mrs. Blennerhassett.) My dear Mrs. Blennerhassett, I 
am delighted to see you though my business is with your husband. 

Mrs. B. My dear Captain, I hope it is n't a very important 
engagement; if it is, you had better let me arrange it. My 
husband is a man learned in books, but, I must confess, utterly 
devoid of practically. 

Clarke. Mr. Blennerhassett is fortunate in having so devoted and 
competent a partner to protect him from extortion. 

Mrs. B. {Laughing.) I can't always do that. Why, only yester- 
day he employed an individual to gather some mussel shells for 
him — he is studying conchology — and the party charged him 
an exorbitant price. My husband asked the reason for the high 
charge. What do you think the fellow said? 

Clarke. Perhaps he said they were scarce. 

Mrs. B. Not only that, but gave as a further reason that the 
diving was so deep. {Laughs.) 

Clarke. Diving — for mussel shells? {Laughs?) 

Mrs. B. Yes, and when my husband inquired how deep, the man 
had the audacity to say in fifteen feet of water. {Both laugh?) 
That convinced my husband and he paid five times their value 
without any further question. {Enter Blennerhassett C.) I 'm 
so glad you are back safe, Harman. I 'm always afraid you will 
meet with some accident when you go shooting. Were you 
fortunate this morning? 

Blennerhassett. Very fortunate — for the birds. They all got away. 

Mrs. B. Pardon me, Captain. Here is Captain Clarke, Harman. 
He comes to see you on business. 

Blennerhassett. Glad to see you, Captain. {Shakes hands.) Stay 
to dinner with us, and we can all talk the business over, and 
Margaret will tell you what is best to do. I 'm sorry for your 
sake, Captain, that I missed those birds. 

Clarke. No, I really could n't stay to dinner. Beside, Ransome 
said you had company. 

Blenn. Company, we always have company, or what is the same, 
we are always ready for it. We set a good table every day and 
if any guests come we never have to apologize. As to the 



14 BLENNERHASSETT. 

company, it is Mr. Reed and wife and daughter from Marietta. 
Now, Margaret, do you know what I 'm going to do after dinner? 

Mrs. B. Not go shooting again, I hope — 

Blenn. No; sit down, Captain, and hear this little story, and 
Margaret and you can act as my advisers. Three heads are 
better than one in such a predicament. {All sit.) Now, Mr. 
Reed owes me $5,000. Last week his house and furniture, barn 
and stock, were all burned, and he is to-day without a dollar. 
What shall I do? 

Mrs. B. Loan him some money to start again. 

Clarke. Take his notes, and give him a long time in which to pay. 

Blenn. I am greatly obliged to my kind advisers. I had made up 
my mind to give him the choice of two evils. Either a receipt 
in full to square the debt, or to let the old debt stand and give 
him a present of an order on the store in Marietta for $5,000. 
Now, I think my plan is best. 

Clarke. It certainly is, for him. 

Blenn. What's best for poor Reed will be best for me, won't it, 

Margaret? 
Mrs. B. In the future, it surely will be, Harman. 
Blenn. Then that's settled, and he may have his own way about it. 

What did you want to see me about, Captain? 

Clarke. To say, we 've caught William, the negro, who stole your 
box of candles, and Justice Parker is waiting for you to come over 
and identify the goods before he orders William to be flogged. 

Mrs. B. I am sorry for the foolish man. I pity him. Cannot the 
punishment be made as light as possible ? 

Blenn. The punishment for stealing candles ought to be light, 
had n't it, Captain? Well, do you know, as soon as I missed these 
candles, before I could get any more here from Marietta, I went 
to work on a substitute. I knew that animal substances when 
left in moist places, or under water, turn to adipocere, and I 
thought it might take the place of spermaceti. So a week ago I 
put some meat in an inlet in the river to undergo a change. This 
morning I went to learn the result. 

Mrs. B. If it was a success, I insist that you do not appear against 
poor William. 



BLENNERHASSETT. 1 5 

Clarke. If the theft has led you to such a valuable discovery, you 
could afford to be easy with him. 

Blenn. No, {laughing) William is doomed. The fishes have 
devoured all the meat, and my theory remains undemonstrated, 
for the present. {All laugh. ,) I suppose I must go with you and 
ease poor Parker's mind. It won't take long — only across the 
river. I will be ready soon. You stay here, Captain, and entertain 
Mrs. Blennerhassett. 

Clarke. It will be the other way, Mr. Blennerhassett. 

Blenn. Just as like as not. Do you know, Captain, if you had a 
nice little wife, like mine, I should be the happiest man in the 
world ? 

Clarke. I'm sure /should. {Mrs. B. smiles,) But why should 
you be so pleased? 

Blenn. My dear Captain, I should have my own wife, and I should 
insist upon being a friend to yours. {Laughs heartily, exit C.) 

Mrs. B. My husband is unusually jovial to-day. I don't think it is 
because you have caught William. 

Clarke. Nor I, Mrs. Blennerhassett. It is the joy that always 
comes to the heart when it has decided to do a noble action, such 
as he will do in Mr. Reed's case. What a happy life you must 
have, Mrs. Blennerhassett. This constant sunshine of the soul 
must make your home as near a heaven as the earth can show. 

Mrs. B. Such thoughts, when expressed by a young man, lead me 
to think you are casting an eye into the future. I wish you 
might have as happy a home as ours. 

Clarke. A hopeless wish, Mrs. Blennerhassett, I am sorry to say. 
It might have been, but I shall never marry. 

Mrs. B. But why? That 's a woman's way, I know, to ask such a 
question; but, Capt. Clarke, as a true friend {going to him), I 
ask you again, why? 

Clarke. Because I have had a bitter experience. 

Mrs. B. But if one experience has been bitter, another may be 

sweet. 

Clarke. If one woman's perfidy has broken my heart, I shall not 
trust in another woman's love to make it whole again. 



1 6 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Mrs. B. And yet, my dear Captain, there is not in the whole world 
anything that can make it whole again but the love of a true 
woman. 

Clarke. I am tempted to tell you my story. 

Mrs. B. If you do, it shall be a sacred trust. {They sit.) 

Clarke. I am the only son of a rich farmer in one of the Eastern 
states. I fell in love with one of our servants, a young and hand- 
some girl, of good family, but, being an orphan, forced to work for 
her support. 

Mrs. B. Your father refused his consent? 

Clarke. No, like a dutiful son I told him of my choice before I 
spoke to her, and he consented. I proposed and she accepted me. 

Mrs. B. Thus far the course of true love runs smooth. 

Clarke. You could never imagine what parted us, so I will say it 
in one word, politics. I chanced to speak in severe terms of a 
public character, as a man whom I believed then, and I believe 
now, to be a villain. He shall be nameless. She resented my 
remarks and said she would never marry me until I retracted my 
words against him. 

Mrs. B. Thus far you are to blame. You were the aggressor, and 
should have shown you loved the woman more than you respected 
the man, and you would have conquered. 

Clarke. Perhaps you are right, but mark the sequel. By a most 
miraculous coincidence which I will not explain now, within fifteen 
minutes after our quarrel, she met the very man about whom we 
had had the controversy. She was in tears ; he asked the cause ; 
she told him, and he gave her money for having defended him. 

Mrs. B. And she accepted it? 

Clarke. Yes, and gloried in it. I took the money from her and 
threw it at his feet. But it seems he had given her his address. 
She left home in about a week, and sought him. He adopted 
her. She dresses in silk and rides in her carriage. She says he 
is her friend. Can you blame me if I look upon her dresses and 
jewels as the badges of her shame? 

Mrs. B. My poor boy, yours was indeed a bitter cup. 



BLENNERHASSETT. 1 7 

Clarke. I left home and came to Ohio. I have prospered. When 
my father dies I shall be a rich man. I shall never marry, for I 
still love that woman, but to marry her — is impossible. 

{Enter Mr. Blennerhassett, dressed for his journey.) 

Mr. B. I 'm all ready, Captain. Good-bye, Margaret. {Kisses her.) 
I will be home to dinner. Mr. Reed and his family are out boat- 
ing. I sent Marmaduke to give them a trip to the end of the 
island. Come, Captain. {At door.) 

Mrs. B. Good-bye, Harman. {To Clarke.) Come and see us 
often. Now I know your story it is my duty to show my interest 
and friendship. 

Clarke. I most assuredly will, my dear Mrs. Blennerhassett. 
Good-bye, madam. Coming, Mr. Blennerhassett. 

Mr. B. Why, Captain, you seem to be less willing to leave Mrs. 
Blennerhassett than her devoted husband. I must look to this. 
{Both laugh and exit C.) 

Mrs. B. {Sits.) What a strange story — that of Captain Clarke's. 
I wonder who the man was. Some one about whose name there 
was a halo of romance that awakened the poor girl's feelings and 
made her think he was all that was noble and good. Only a girl- 
ish fancy, to be sure, but with a young girl fancy is more powerful 
than reason. With some of us women, fancy is always the 
strongest. 

{Enter Ransome C.) 

Ransome. Missus, there 's a gentleman and two ladies just landed, 
and he asked me if the proprietor would object to his taking a 
walk on the island. 

Mrs. B. Did he give his name ? 

Ransome, No, missus ; but he is a handsome gentleman, and the 
ladies are the most beautifullest — 

Mrs. B. That will do, Ransome. Extend Mrs. Blennerhassett's 
compliments, and say my husband is away, but will soon return. 
Ask the gentleman and ladies to come in, and my husband will 
show them the beauties of the island. 

Ransome. {Aside.) I can remember the " come in," but I'm 
afraid I can't say all that. {Exit, C, shaking his head.) 



1 8 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Mrs. B. When I married I had a fancy that Harman would 
become a great orator, enter Parliament — become — why not — 
a premier. But he disliked politics and disputation — preferred 
study and seclusion to life in London, and so we are buried in 
the wilderness, with everything to make life happy — but with not 
one thing to make it great. 

(^Enter Ransome C.) 

Ransome. The gentleman says that he was curious, and so he 
landed ; but he can't stop, but he sent his card. {Passes it to 
Mrs. B.) 

Mrs. B. {Reads.) Aaron Burr — Aaron Burr — he was Vice- 
President of the United States. No man ever came nearer to 
being President; I must see him. {To Ransome.) Tell the 
gentleman that I must insist upon his accepting the hospitalities 
of my house. 

Ransome. {Aside.) I can remember that. I have said that be- 
fore. {Exit C.) 

Mrs. B. How fortunate ! The man of all others who can tell me 
in what way my husband can best use his knowledge for his 
advancement, and for the good of his adopted country. My fancy 
survives; my ambition is still strong; and if woman's wit can 
accomplish it my husband shall yet fill the station in life for which 
his talents fit him — and which {naively) his wife would try to 
adorn. {Enter Ransome C, who ushers in Theodosia, Kate, and 
finally Aaron Burr) . Pardon my importunity, Mr. Burr, but we 
have so few visitors from the East — 

Burr. Madam, pardon for our intrusion rather than for your hos- 
pitality. As in the fairy books, we have found that those who 
land upon the enchanted isle must enter the bower of beauty 
and pay homage to the princess. {Advances and kisses Mrs. BJ's 
hand.) Allow me, madam, to present my only child, my daugh- 
ter, Theodosia. {They shake hands.) {Turning to Kate.) Ah! 
I have been unjust and untrue, for here is my other child, my 
adopted daughter, Kate. {They shake hands.) 

Mrs. B. Be seated, all. Ransome, have three extra plates laid 
for the dinner. 

Burr. But, madam, we cannot intrude in so bold a way upon your 
privacy. 



BLENNERHASSETT. 19 

Mrs. B. You are in the bower of the princess, sir, and the fairy 
books say that none could leave it without her permission, unless 
they killed the dragon that guarded the entrance. Go, Ransome. 

{Exit Ransome,) 

Burr. Believe me, madam, I would rather right the dragon than — 

Mrs. B. Remain? 

Burr. No ; than disobey your slightest wish. 

{Burr takes the ladies' outer garments that they have removed.) 

Mrs. B. {Aside.) He is such a man as that girl of Clarke's 
might have worshipped. {Turns, takes garments and places them 
R. To Theodosia,) Did you enjoy your trip down the river, 
Miss Burr? 

Burr. Pardon me, madam. {To Theodosia.) What would Mari 
say — {To Mrs. B.) My daughter is married, — Mrs. Theodosia 
Burr Alston, the wife of Governor Alston of South Carolina. 

Mrs. B. And is the other young lady — 

Burr. N>, she is Miss Embleton, with no end of suitors, but with 
a heart fondly clinging — 

Kate. {Laughing.) Mr. Burr, you are wrong, you know you are. 

Theodosia. No, Kate, you are wrong, and father is right. Your 
heart is fondly clinging — to me — and to {taking Burr's arm) 
father. {Burr puts his arm around Theodosia and Kate.) 

Burr. Am I not a father to be envied — with two such daughters ? 

Kate. But if I should marry some young gentleman whom you did 
not fancy, you would disown me, and give all your love to 
Theodosia and Gamp. 

Mrs. B. Pardon my curiosity, but who is Gamp — another young 
lady? 

Theodosia. No, madam, Gamp is my only son. Father gave him 
the nickname and calls him by no other. 

Burr. His infant lips first spoke the word " gampy " to his grand- 
father. I turned that into Gampillo or Gamp, and being a word 
made precious by association, I prefer it to his full name of 
Aaron Burr Alston. {To Kate.) But, Miss Embleton, let me not 
forget to say I shall never disown you, for you have given me the 
best of reasons for believing you will never marry a man that I 
cannot respect. 



20 BLENNEKHASSETT. 

Theodosia. I think you can trust her, father. 

Kate. You know you can. (To Burr.) 

Burr. I know I do. My proteges never desert or disappoint me. 

I have good news from Vanderlyn the other day - he whom I 

rightly named the genius of the roadside. 

Mrs. B. There must be a romance connected with that name — 

the genius of the roadside. I am a lover of the romantic — 
Burr. I will tell you the story, madam, with pleasure, but as I am 

a personage in it, kindly free me from the charge of intentional 

egotism. 
Mrs. B. Certainly, Mr. Burr, and pray do not detract from your 

own due for fear of being so misjudged. 

Burr. {Bows to Mrs. B.) The story is this : Some years ago I 
was called to Albany on business. On my way a wheel tire needed 
repairs and I stopped at a blacksmith's shop for the purpose. 
While waiting, I walked around outside the smithy, where my 
attention was attracted by a sketch in chalk upon a barn door. 
It was capitally done and I turned towards the smithy to ask the 
blacksmith the name of the artist, when I saw a small boy regard- 
ing me with anxious eyes. "Who drew that picture," said I? 
" I did," replied the boy to my astonishment. I found he was an 
orphan, and was working for a farmer in the town. I gave him 
my card and told him when he wanted to begin the battle of life 
to come to my house in New York. In less than six months the 
genius of the roadside presented himself at my door. I sent him 
to Paris, educated him, and his last letter says he is on the road 
to fame and fortune. 

Mrs. B. How happy the news must make you. 

Burr. It does. I know of nothing that gives greater joy than to 
encourage and aid those who are poor, but talented and ambitious. 
The greatest pleasure I have ever known was found in directing 
my daughter's studies. 

Theo. And such terrible letters as you used to write me about my 
handwriting and grammar. 

Kate. Yes, and I have a hundred just such letters — they all begin 
with a good scolding, have a lecture in the middle, and end with 
words so kind that, like sweets after a nauseous medicine, the 
disagreeable flavor is all taken away. 



BLENNERHASSETT. 21 

Burr. My dear young ladies, we have been very impolite to take 
so much time to talk of ourselves to the disregard and, no doubt, 
discomfort of our hostess. Is your husband a native of New- 
England or Maryland, Mrs. Blennerhassett? 

Mrs. B. Neither, sir. He was born in Hampshire, England. His 
father was an Irish gentlemen, but his parents were visiting in 
England. 

Burr. Was he in the English army? 

Mrs. B. His inclination has always been to literature and science. 
He went to school at Westminster, but graduated at Trinity Col- 
lege in Dublin. 

Burr. Did he practise law? 

Mrs. B. Yes, and was made a Doctor of Laws, in 1790. The 
troubles in his native land led him to sell his estates to Baron 
Ventry, and he went to England, where we met. 

Burr. Like a true knight errant he went in search of his lady love, 
and found her. 

Mrs. B. Hardly that, for he had a sister in England — the wife of 
Admiral De Corsey. 

Burr. He that was Lord Kinsale ? 

Mrs. B. Yes; /am English, and yet our people pride themselves 
on their independence. My father was Lieut. -Governor of the 
Isle of Man. My grandfather was Gen. Agnew — 

Burr. Who fell at Germantown ? 

Mrs. B. Yes, sir; did you ever see him? 

Burr. Neither your grandfather nor myself were taken prisoners 
during the Revolution, and we never met. But I have heard 
he was a brave man and died like a true British soldier, hating all 
rebels and loving his king. 

Mrs. B. We removed to New York, in 1797. My husband 
travelled through the States in search of a place to make our 
home in. He bought the upper part of this island and we settled 
here in 1798, moving at first into a blockhouse. 

Theo. And in seven years only you have made this wilderness 

blossom like a rose — 
Kate. And built this beautiful mansion — 



22 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Burr, Which in its design and execution shows the possession of 
exquisite taste by its owners. 

Mrs. B. Yes ; my husband's property enabled us to gratify our 
tastes. Living away from the busy world, this island becomes 
our world, and you can imagine my husband and myself are 
never happier than when kind fortune sends some guest to our 
door who can tell us what is going on in dear America, and — 
dear old England. {Noise outside.) My husband has returned. 
{Goes up stage C.) 

{Enter Blemierhassett C.) 

Blenn. {Meeting Mrs. B. up stage.) It 's all right, Margaret ; Wil- 
liam escaped without a lash. Parker was indignant, but I could n't 
recognize the candles, could I, my dear ? And so — 

Mrs. B. {Breaking in.) But, Harman, we have guests. Let me 
present you. {To Burr.) Mr. Burr, allow me to introduce my 
husband. 

Burr. {Advancing with hand extended.) I am delighted to make 
Mr. Blennerhassett's acquaintance. 

Blenn. {Drawing back.) Burr? What Burr? Not Aaron Burr. 

Burr. Colonel Aaron Burr, at your service. 

Blenn. {To himself.) The man who killed Hamilton. {To Burr.) 
You are welcome, sir, to the hospitalities — 

Mrs. B. {To Burr.) My husband is very nearsighted. {To 
Blenn.) Harman, he is waiting to shake hands with you. 

Blenn. I regret it, sir ; but I cannot give my hand to the murderer 

of Gen. Hamilton. 
Mrs. B. Remember, Harman, he is our guest, and his daughters 

are present. 

Burr. {To Mrs. B.) Madam, do not fear, /shall not transcend 
the bounds of hospitality. {To Blenn.) Sir, my friend Hamil- 
ton, whom I shot, would not have used so harsh a term as murderer. 

Blenn. But he was at your mercy — 

Burr. He was the aggressor, and met the fate that any man invites 
when he slanders a gentleman, and then refuses reparation. 
Slander has slain more than the sword. 

Blenn. Duelling is not an attribute of a gentleman or a hero. The 
polished Greek knew nothing of it, the noble Roman was above 



BLENNERHASSETT. 23 

it. Rome held in equal detestation the man who exposed his life 
unnecessarily and he who refused to expose it when the public good 
required it. Her heroes were superior to private contests. They 
indulged in no vengeance except against the enemies of their 
country ! 

{Mrs. B. rushes to Blenn., taking his arm, while Theo. and Kate 
stand close to Burr . Expressive tableau. A pause.) 

Burr. Ladies, you will bear me witness that this unhappy dis- 
cussion is not of my choosing, and I trust will forgive me if I 
live over again that sad affair, by recalling some particulars that 
must be unknown to Mr. Blennerhassett. {To Blenn., impas- 
sioned.) Sir, suppose a mean and cowardly individual should 
slander you, and not stand up to it when cornered. Suppose you 
should forbear and forbear, forgive and forgive, — yes, even stoop 
to remonstrate ! If you had no choice except to slink out of sight, 
a wretch, degraded and despised, or meet the calumniator on the 
field and silence him, what would you do? You are an Irish gen- 
tleman, and I can answer for you. You would meet him, as I did. 
Supposing, when you stood up to fire, he caught your eye and 
quailed under it like a convicted felon. You would kill him, as 
I did. Supposing you should find his last will and testament to 
read like the confessions of a penitent monk. You would despise 
him, as I do ! 

Blenn. Had you never braved death but in a duel, your words 
would have no effect upon me ; but you both did your duty in the 
army of your country — and, I had forgotten, we are not Greeks 
or Romans, but the slaves of cruel modern customs. Sir, there 
is my hand. {They clasp hands.) Welcome to Blennerhassett 
Island ! 

TABLEAU. CURTAIN. 
END OF ACT I. 



ACT II. 



THE NEXT DAY. 

Scene : Drawing room in Blennerhas setts mansion. "Light, airy 
and elegant, splendid mirrors, gay-colored carpets, classic pict- 
ures, rich curtains and orname?its arranged by Mrs. B. with 
nicest taste and harmonious effect. Also, quantity of silverware 
ornamented the sideboards and decorated the tables. The whole 
establishment was characterized by perfect taste, and without that 
glow of tinsel finery too common among the wealthy." Mrs. B. 
and Theodosia discovered. Theodosia ill, seated in easy chair L. 
Mrs. B. kneeling beside her, 

Mrs. B. Dear, do you feel any worse than you did? 

Then, No, my dear friend, and no better. 

Mrs. B. But you will soon. I suppose I ought to tell you. I 
have sent Ransome to Marietta for our dear, good, old doctor, 
the kindest and the best man in the world, and a fine physi- 
cian, too. 

Theo. You are so kind to such an unwelcome visitor as I am. 
Mrs. B. Visitors are never unwelcome at this house ; and if they 

fall sick while here, it is our duty to cure them before we allow 

them to leave us. 
Theo. Forgive my ungenerous speech, but I am afraid your dear 

good doctor won't understand my case. Where is father? 
Mrs. B. He is busily talking to Harman. They have been 

closeted in the study for a couple of hours. 
Theo. I 'm so sorry. 
Mrs. B. Sorry, why, what do you mean? Are you so jealous of 

your father that you can't allow him to go out of your sight? 
Thro. No, no, not that. He is my guardian angel, but I can trust 

him away from me, for I know he never will desert me while life 

remains. But I am afraid he will weary your husband with his 

talking, he is such an ardent lover of political discussion — a 

man used to partisan warfare, while your husband is so quiet in 

his taste and life. 



BLENNERHASSETT. 25 

Mrs. B. A little animated discussion won't do him a bit of harm, 
my dear, not half as much as it will for you to worry about it. 
(Enter Ransome C.) Here's Ransome ; is the doctor coming? 

Ransome. The doctor 's coming but he is n't coming. 

Mrs. B. Who is n't coming? 

Ransome. Why, Dr. Johnson. 

Mrs. B. But you said he was coming. 

Ransome. So he is, but he is n't Dr. Johnson. 

Mrs. B. Why not, Ransome? You know we always have Dr. 
Johnson and you should have asked him and no one else to come. 

Ransome. I did, missus ; but you see Dr. Johnson is sick abed 
himself, and he was doctoring him, and Dr. Johnson said if he 
was good enough to doctor him he would be good enough to 
doctor you. 

Mrs. B. I understand, now. When is he coming? 

Ransome. He came with me, but as he was a stranger I told him 
as how I would introduce him and make it easier for him. 

Mrs. B. That was very thoughtful of you, Ransome; but show 
him in at once. (Exit Ransome C.) 

Theo. Your servant, Ransome, is quite a conversationalist, I should 
imagine. 

Mrs. B. Yes, he is a great admirer of my husband's education, and 
Harman has given him many books to read, and they hunt 
together and fish together, and argue Scripture together until they 
have become firm friends, and Ransome looks upon himself as a 
privileged character and hero. 

Ransome. (At door C.) Doctor Hosack ! 

(Enter Dr. Hosack.} 

Dr. H. (Advancing to Mrs. B.) Madam, I am sorry to say Dr. 
Johnson is suffering from a malarial fever, and he delegated me 
to call on you professionally. You may count upon my best 
services. 

Mrs. B. Dr. Johnson's recommendation makes you welcome to my 
home and gives me every confidence in your skill. (Extends her 
hand to Dr. B.) 

Dr. H. Madam, how can I serve you? 



26 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Mrs. B. My young friend here is in need of your assistance. Mrs. 
Alston, Dr. Hosack. {Dr. H. sits by Theodosia.) 

Theo. Doctor, I am afraid your pills and powders will do me no good. 
My trouble is mental worry and disquiet, which will remain until 
the cause is removed. 

Dr. H. The cause is doubtless, as I have found it in many 
cases — too much blood ; a little bleeding may relieve you. 

Theo. {Starting up, with intensity). Yes, blood, that's it. Too 
much blood, bad blood. That always makes quarrels, doesn 't it, 
sir, and then the bleeding follows. Some die in battle — some on 
the field of honor, in a duel, but few people with bad blood die 
in their beds, do they, doctor? {Throwing herself in a chair.) 
Bring the swords or the pistols, let us have the blood drawn at 
once, doctor. {Sinks back in chair.) 

Dr. H. {Going to Mrs. B. who looks apprehensively.) I am 
afraid our young friend is going to have a fever. She wanders ; 
put her to bed, my dear madam, and remember, no drink of 
any kind. 

Theo. Are you ready for the bleeding, doctor? 

{Enter Ransome.) 

Ransome. A letter for Mrs. Theodosia Burr Alston ! 

{Dr. H. starts back. Theodosia jumps to her feet, rushes to Ran- 
some and grasps the letter.) 

Theo. I thought so — from my husband {kisses the letter) whom 
I have not seen for three long months. My dear madam, and my 
good doctor, with your kind permission I will go to my room. If 
this letter tells me that my husband is coming to meet me, I shall 
soon be as well as ever. 

{Theodosia exit C, followed by Ransome who looks astonished.) 

Dr. H. Pardon my curiosity, madam, but did your servant say 
" Burr " was the lady's name? Do you know her father? 

Mrs. B, Her name was Burr ; it is Theodosia Burr Alston ; her 
father is Col. Aaron Burr ; they are our guests. 

Dr. H. Aaron Burr here? Pardon me, madam, but I think Mrs. 

Alston will soon recover ; she will not need my services. I will 

go at once. 
Mrs. B. Did you ever meet Col. Burr? 



BLENNERHASSETT. 2J 

Dr. H. No ; that is, yes, several years ago. 

Mrs. B. Wouldn 't you like to renew your acquaintance? He is in 
my husband's study; I will call him {starts to go R.). 

Dr. H. Madam, not for the world ; that is, on no account disturb 
him. I will go. 

Mrs. B. Doctor, your actions speak more than your words. I 
have no right to be curious about my guests, but I can ask you 
why you do not wish to meet Col. Burr? 

Dr. H. You are right. I will explain. You know that Col. Burr 
fought a duel — 

Mrs. B. With Gen. Hamilton, yes. 

Dr. H. It was my misfortune to be the surgeon who was engaged 
for the possible emergency — 

Mrs. B. Did you see the duel? 

Dr. H. No, only the sad ending. I shall never forget that picture. 
There the dying man {points right), there Burr {points up stage 
L.), and where we are, stood the woman and her lover. 

Mrs. B. What woman? what lover? What were they doing 
there ? This duel was not caused by a woman, was it ? 

Dr. H. Bless you, no, madam. I must explain all. It seems 
that Col. Burr had given a young woman some money ; what for 
I know not — and her lover — 

Mrs. B. Tell me no more — tell me no more. I know the sad 
story only too well — I know the young man. {Aside.) Poor 
Frederic! {To Dr. H.) And the young woman — should you 
know her, if — 

{Enter Kate C.) 

Kate. Excuse my interruption, Mrs. Blennerhassett, but I thought 
Theodosia might be here. 

Mrs. B. She has a letter from her husband, Miss Embleton, and 
has gone to her room to read it. 

Kate. Thank you. 

{Exit, Dr. H. looking fixedly at her as she does so.) 

Dr. H. And she is here too ? 

Mrs. B. She? What do you mean? 



28 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Dr. H. I would wager my life that the girl who was on that field 
of death just left this roonic 

Mrs. B. I have no doubt of it, doctor. I thank you for your con- 
fidence, and can imagine our guests do not arouse very pleasant 
memories in your mind. 

Dr. H. They do not, madam, and with your kind permission I 

will take my departure. 
Mrs. B. Express to Dr. Johnson my earnest hope for his speedy 

recovery. ( Going to door C. with the doctor. ) 

Dr. H. {At door.) I will with pleasure, madam. Good morning. 

{Dr. B. exit C.) 

Mrs. B. {Coming C.) This is a startling situation. The lover, 
the maiden, and the "villain," as Frederic calls him, likely to 
meet at any moment. Now, if they can meet in the right 
way, all may come out happily. Time may have prepared the 
way for a reconciliation. Frederic still loves her, she is 
unmarried and seems fancy free, and Col. Burr must use his 
influence to make these young people happy. {Enter Clarke C.) 
Why, Capt. Clarke, just the man of all in the world I wished 
to see. I have astounding news for you. 

Clarke. I have some news for you — perhaps equally as astounding. 

Have you any guests from the East? 
Mrs. B. Yes, a gentleman and — 
Clarke. And his daughter, and that gentleman is Col. Burr. Is 

that your astounding news ? 
Mrs. B. Yes ; but how did you know? Did you meet Dr. Hosack ? 
Clarke. Dr. Hosack ? Who is he ? I know no such man No, 

Mrs. Alston's husband is at Marietta in search of his wife. I 

volunteered to ride here and see if Col. Burr was here. I wish to 

have a few minutes conversation with him. 
Mrs. B. If you find out where she is — 

Clarke. How do you know that I wish to see Col. Burr about a she ? 
Mrs. B. Because, my poor boy, Dr. Hosack was the surgeon who 

was on the field when the duel took place, and he has told me all. 

You revealed to me the story of your life. Fate has brought you 

face to face — 
Clarke. And he shall tell me where she is ! 



BLENNERHASSETT. 29 

Mrs. B. {Aside.) He must see Col. Burr first. {To Clarke.) 
And he shall. I will send him to you at once. 

{Exit Mrs. B., R.) 

Clarke. If she is with him, he shall answer to me. If she has left 
him and is trying to be an honest woman, I will find her — and 
then ! God knows what I shall do then / {Falls in chair.) 

{Enter Kate C. ) 

Kate. That horrid Theodosia has locked herself in, and is crying 
and laughing over his letter at the same time. She called 
through the door that he was coming, I suppose she means 
her husbanpl. I wonder if I shall ever await the coming of a he 
with such joy. {Frederic looks at her.) There is only one man 
in the world I would care to meet. 

Clarke. {Rising.) Kate ! 

Kate. {Turns.) Frederic ! {Totters, Clarke catches her f leads her 
to chair L.) 

Clarke. {Regarding her.) You said there was only one man in 
the world you cared to meet. Am I that man? 

Kate. I was thinking of you. 

Clarke. And I have been thinking of you for two long years, — 
since that day when you deserted me for a life with him. Had I 
met you a thousand miles away from him I would say that I have 
never ceased to love you ; but when I find you in his company 
I can only say — 

Kate. That you hate me. 

Clarke. No, that I hate him, and he shall answer to me for his 
actions. Mrs. Blennerhassett has gone to bring him here, so I 
may speak with him. 

Kate. You must not meet — 

Clarke. It lies with you to prevent our meeting, and the conse- 
quences that will surely come from it. 

Kate. What can / do ? 

Clarke. Come with me, this very instant. I will make you my 
wife — for I love you — but you must come now and swear you 
will never look upon his face again. 



30 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Kate. Desert my benefactor in such a way? A man who has 
always treated me like a daughter — given the poor orphan girl 
what she never knew before — the blessing of a father's love — 
Frederic, you ask too much. Let me say good-bye to him, and 
I will go. 

Clarke. Not one word, Kate. Hark ! They are coming ; if he 
enters this room before we leave it — as a man of honor I can do 
but one thing — demand an explanation — which he will refuse. 
I shall challenge him — and one of us will die, and end this 
heartache — 

Kate. You are determined on this course ? 

Clarke. Before Heaven, I swear I will take no other. 

Kate. Then come — 

Clarke. Mine at last ! {Embraces her and then they rush out C, 
just as Ransome enters.) 

Ransome. Now, if this was n't bright daylight, I should suspect that 
was an elopement. 

{Enter Mrs. B. Blenn., and Burr.) 

Mrs. B. {Looking round. ) Not here ? Where can he be ! Ran- 
some, have you seen Mr. Clarke ? 

Ransome. I can hardly say I saw him, he was going out so speedy. 
But I caught a glimpse. 

Mrs. B. Where did he go? And when? 

Ransome. He went through that door just now, with Miss Embleton, 
and they seemed to be in a drefful hurry. 

Burr. I can explain it, Mrs. Blennerhassett. The young man, 
whom I distinctly recall, met the young lady. She explained 
matters ; he is satisfied, and they have gone to smooth down their 
feathers before they face us again and say they are going to build 
a nest of their own. Kate is a splendid girl. I have educated 
her as if she were my own, and if she loves the young man, he 
shall have her with my blessing. 

Mrs. B. I am so glad it has all come out so happily. 

Blenn. What is it all about, Margaret? I am so full of Col. Burr's 
land schemes that this love affair has escaped my attention. 



BLENNERHASSETT. 3 1 

Burr. Your wife will tell you all, Mr. Blennerhassett ; but let me 
explain a few points of my plan to your wife whom I know must 
be a woman of business. 
Blenn. Yes, you must tell Margaret. I never engage in any busi- 
ness without her advice. 
{Enter Theodosia C.) 

Theo. {Running down.) Father, he 's coming. He got your let- 
ter and is on the way. He says he may arrive before his letter 
does. He will go to Marietta, and await a letter from you, if you 
have gone beyond. {Shows letter.) See what a long letter he 
wrote me, father. 
Burr. And how did he end it? No word for me, his affectionate 

father-in-law ? 
Theo. Why, yes, he says, kiss for me those who love me, and so I 
must kiss you, even if there are so many here. {Embraces her 
father. ) Now, I 'm going to look out on the river and see if he is 
coming. {Runs out C.) 
Mrs. B. What an all-impassioned, sensitive, thrilling creature your 

daughter is, Colonel Burr. 
Burr. She is all brain and heart, madam, and I sometimes fear 
that the brain is too active and the heart too loving for the fragile 
casket Nature has placed them in. 
Blenn. {Breaking in.) Would n't it be a good time now, Colonel 

Burr, to explain that land business to Margaret? 
Burr. {Laughing.) Your husband has all the impetuosity of the 
Celtic race ; how different from our Jersey phlegm. Why, it seems 
born in a Jerseyman to never do to-day what he can just as well 
put off until to-morrow. And that 's the reason our citizens live 
to such an advanced age. {All laugh.) 
Blenn. Well, Colonel, if you don't tell Margaret to-day, I certainly 

shall. 
Burr. Perhaps it is better that you should. If she agrees with 
your present opinion, our way will be plain; if she disagrees with 
us then we must combine our forces and convince her by facts 
and irresistible arguments. While you are so engaged, with your 
kind permission, I will join my daughter. {Bows and exit C.) 
Blenn. {Looking after Burr.) He is a wonderful man ! 



32 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Mrs. B. So are you, Harman, — or you might be if you would use 
your talents in a way to let the world see your ability. What does 
Colonel Burr have in mind ? 

Blenn. A great scheme. A Baron Bastrop owns a large tract of 
land on the Washita River, in the Territory of Louisiana. Colonel 
Burr wishes me to join him and others in purchasing this land, 
with two purposes in view : One, to divide the land into estates 
and sell them, thus realizing an immense fortune between us. The 
other purpose is to establish a colony of intelligent and wealthy 
individuals, and rear around us a society remarkable for the refine- 
ments of civil and social life. What do you think of the idea, 
Margaret ? 

Mrs, B. It seems a grand idea, and one in which, if you join him, 
you will find an opportunity to become what Nature intended you 
should be, — a leader, and perhaps a ruler of men. 

Blenn. You have high aims for me, Margaret. I am, I will allow, 
somewhat pleased with the scheme ; but I am afraid I should soon 
wish for the old study, and the laboratory, and my telescope, and 
'cello — 

Mrs. B. All the pleasures you name you can enjoy there as well 
as here, and in a large colony / shall have associations and oppor- 
tunities that our present isolation now denies me. 

Blenn. Are you unhappy here, Margaret? 

Mrs. B. No, Harmon, no, a thousand times no. No woman 
ought to be unhappy with such a husband and such a home. But 
you would become famous there ; here there are none to appre- 
ciate your worth. 

Blenn. But if I were happiest here ? 

Mrs. B. Then your wife would say, remain here, for your happi- 
ness is hers. 

Blenn. {Embracing his wife.) And yours is mine ; and if there 
is any other place where you would be happier than here, there 
I will make a home for you. 

{Enter C, Colonel Burr, Theodosia, and Alston.') 

Theo. My husband, Mrs. Blennerhassett, Mr. Blennerhassett. 

Mrs. B. I am glad, Mr. Alston, that you find your wife in such 
good health and spirits. This morning she was so ill, that I sent 
to Marietta for a physician. 



BLENNERHASSETT. 33 

Alston. A Dr. Hosack? I met him on the way. A gentleman 
named Clarke volunteered this morning to visit Mr. Blennerhassett 
and see if Col. Burr were here. Soon after his departure, my 
impatience overcame me, and learning the road was a good one 
for horseback riding I started, expecting to meet him on his 
return. Instead, I met the doctor, asked if I was on the right 
road ; he said he was on his way back from Mrs. Blennerhassett's, 
said Mrs. Alston was ill, and my horse bore me here at his fastest 
gallop. 

Mrs. B. The road to Marietta is a good one. Many a time have 
I made the trip of an afternoon for business or pleasure. We 
have half a dozen fine saddle horses. What do you say, Col. 
Burr, to a horseback ride to the wilderness at the other end of 
the island \ it will give us all a splendid appetite for dinner, and 
complete Mrs. Alston's cure. 

Burr. I will follow your lead, madam, to the river's bank. 

Mrs. B. I often ride into the river. 

Burr. Then I will follow, to the bottom of the river, if you but lead. 

Alston. Will Mr. Blennerhassett accompany us ? 

Theo. Why, certainly, it would be so impolite to desert our host. 

Blenn. Don't mind me. I never ride horseback. Ransome is 

always my driver; besides, I have so much to do in the labora- 
tory I am in no danger of suffering from ennui. 
Alston. As we have no word in the English language for ennui, we 

should not suffer from it, certainly. 
Burr. No \ but a Frenchman said ennui in France was synonymous 

with existence in England, and so the English don't need any 

other word. 
{All laugh, and Mrs. B. f Theo., Col. B. t and Alston, exit R, 

Ransome enters C.) 
Ransome. Massa Blennerhassett? 
Blenn. Yes, Ransome, what do you want? 
Ransome. A man wants to see you, a sailor man. 
Blenn. Well, show him in. 
Ransome. ( Going to Blenn.) He says he wants to speak to you 

very privately, and no one in the house must know he is here, nor 

when he goes. 



34 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Blenn. Have my wife and the others gone to ride? 

Ransome. The ladies have gone to drive, and the gentlemen have 
gone to the stables with Philander. 

Blenn. The coast is clear then; admit the man. {Exit Ran- 
somed) Who can it be? Some old sailor wants assistance; but 
why so much secrecy ? I won't see him, but send some money to 
him by Ransome. {Calls.) Here, Ransome ; here, Ransome. 

{Enter Ransome, C.) 

Ransome. Here, sir, here is the man. 

(Enter Graham. Graham is dressed as a sailor, whiskers, coat, 
hat. Be looks at Ransome, who slowly withdraws.) 

Blenn. My good man, what can I do for you ? How much money 
do you want ? 

Graham. {Sailor style.) Say, Cap'n, are we alone? No danger 
of being rung out for a storm? 

Blenn. I can't imagine any reason for your visit unless for assis- 
tance, and no reason whatever for so many precautions, so much 
mystery. Who are you? 

Graham. In the first place I am no sailor {begins to remove his 
disguise), in the second place my name is Graham, an agent of 
the United States Government on special service. 

Blenn. And the nature of that special service — 

Graham. {Having removed his disguise.) I have my suspicions 
that it will not be necessary for me to explain my visit here. 

Blenn. Your innuendo under certain circumstances might be 
insulting. As I do not know the nature of your suspicions, nor 
to what knowledge of mine you so vaguely refer, I will give you an 
opportunity for further explanation. Be seated, sir. {They sit.) 

Graham. Pardon me, sir, but we detectives always go on the 
supposition that our clew is a good one, and our suspicions sure 
to be proved correct. 

Blenn. Your last remark is more unsatisfactory than the first. 

What have I to do with detectives? 
Graham. You have a visitor, a certain Mr. Burr. 
Blenn. My visitor is Col. Aaron Burr, ex-Vice-President of the 

United States ! 



BLENNERHASSETT. 35 

Graham. Exactly ! There can be no mistake about the man. 
He is the Mr. Burr I meant. Excuse a leading question, but 
what answer have you given to his requests for you to join him in 
his treasonable plot ? 

Blenn. {Jumping up.) Treasonable plot ! Sir, your imagination 
has run away with your reason. He has mentioned no treason- 
able plot. 

Graham. {Aside.) I am too early. {To Blenn.) Then he has 
broached no scheme to you as yet ? 

Blenn. Where are your proofs that you are what you say you are? 

Graham. Here, sir, {shows them) and here is my commission 
signed by Thomas Jefferson, the President. 

Blenn. {Examining them.) They seem to be conclusive, sir. I 
am an Irishman by birth and as such I have become used to plots 
and government emissaries. I had hoped my adopted country 
would have no use for these instruments of despotism. I am 
sorry to learn that the Government of a free country is obliged to 
employ spies to track the footsteps of those with whom it differs 
politically. Plain talk now, after we have exchanged these mutual 
compliments, can do no harm. What are your suspicions as 
regards myself? 

Graham. Plainly, then, sir, that you are aiding and abetting this 
Colonel Burr in a scheme calculated to disturb the peace of the 
country. 

Blenn. False, sir — false in every respect. I am the last man in 
the world who would disturb the peace or impair the prosperity of 
the United States. Weary of political strife in my native land, I 
sought and have found an asylum in America, and I could never 
violate its tranquillity ; and I have no doubt your charges against 
Colonel Burr are as weak as your suspicions of myself have proved 
to be. 

Graham. And yet, Colonel Burr is known by the Government to 
have come West to ascertain the sentiments of the people of the 
Western States upon the subject of a separation from the Atlantic 
States. 

Blenn. Impossible — the union of these States, cemented by the 
blood of its patriots, can never be broken at the will of any State 



2,6 BLENNERHASSETT. 

p that has covenanted to obey the Constitution. Like a marriage 
in the sight of God, man can never decree nor allow a divorce. 

Graham. True and patriotic words, Mr. Blennerhassett. Would 
that all Americans thought so, and that none may ever think 
otherwise. Then you have no information to give the Govern- 
ment on this matter? 

Blenn. None, whatever, sir. Colonel Burr has never mentioned 
the subject to me, and, if he does, I will answer him as I have 
you, and, in addition, inform the President of his treasonable acts 
at the earliest moment. 

Graham. The President, sir, shall be informed of your patriotic 
feelings and intentions. Allow me, sir, to thank you for your 
courtesy, and to — 

Blenn. {Pointing L.) You can put on your disguise in that room. 
From it there is a door leading to the lawn, from which you can 
make your exit without meeting my guests. ( Going up C.) I 
hear their voices — they are back from their ride. 

Graham. Thank you, sir, for your foresight ! {Blenn. goes to door 
C, looking back; Graham to door R., with his disguise. Blenn 
exit C. Graham runs up C, looks out, then back to door L.) 
Perhaps I may wish to see and hear more — from your guests. 

{Exit L.) 

{Enter Blenn., Mrs. B. % and Theo., in riding costumes, Col. Burr 
and Alston.) 

Mrs. B. Yes, we 've had a splendid time. 

Burr. Your wife is a break-neck rider, Mr. Blennerhassett, and 
easily distanced me, old soldier though I am. 

Theo. She made me think of an English hussar charging the 
enemy. 

Alston. Had the English brought such riders with them we should 
still be subjects of King George, Mr. Blennerhassett. 

Mrs. B. Your flattery, gentlemen, is highly appreciated. To-mor- 
row we will have a twenty-mile gallop, and see if our horseman- 
ship is as reliable as it is brilliant. 

Burr. That is so; the forced march is oftentimes a greater 
achievement than the brilliant charge. 

Mrs. B. Now, we will sit down, while the subject is on our minds, 
and decide on Colonel Burr's proposition. O, Harman, Colonel 



BLENNERHASSETT. 3 7 

Burr has explained his scheme to us all, and all of us agree with 
him that it is a brilliant idea, — a realization of the dreams of the 
poets and the hopes of philosophers. 

Burr. Yes; and who knows but that our model State may 
become a real Utopia in which the true, the beautiful, and 
the good may govern our rulers ; a that Mr. Blennerhassett may 
become the conservator of our liberties ; that Alston and myself 
may aid him, respectively, in diplomacy and the art of war ; that 
his lovely wife may grace the position of first lady in the land, 
while my daughter and Kate — where is Kate? — act as her 
maids of honor. 

Blenn. {Excitedly.} You have outlined the picture, my dear 
Colonel, and I will fill it in. I would have a State in which science 
and art would so absorb our time and interest our minds that 
politics and diplomacy, intrigue and war, would fall into disfavor 
and disuse. The duties of life should become pleasures, its 
pleasures patriotic duties. A land in which those above would 
always strive to lift to a higher level those who were below. To 
secure such a paradise on earth as that I would give my labor, my 
fortune, and my life. 

Burr. All this is possible, yes, sure of accomplishment if you and 
a few others endowed with wealth and education will be the 
pioneers. But there must be one who must be first — then others 
will follow his lead. 

Blenn. Then I will be that first. If mine the greater risk, then 
mine the greater joy if success crowns our efforts. Col. Burr, 
you can rely upon the word of Harman Blennerhassett. 

Burr. I do -— and will. ( They clasp hands C- ) 

{Enter Graham in disguise, from door L. Blenn. drops Burr's 
hand, and starts back.) 

Graham. {Sailor style, to Blenn.) You must have forgotten me. 

I was waiting for you in there {points L. Blenn. starts.) I '11 come 

again some day when you have n't got so much business on hand. 

But I '11 take your answer to the President — of the company. 
{Blenn. looks away. All the company look at Graham who slowly 

walks up stage towards door C.) 
{Enter Kate C, followed by Clarke. Kate runs to Col. Burr and 

falls at his feet. Graham stops L. U.) 



38 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Burr, Here 's my little girl back again. She has made it up with 

her lover, and now she comes for her father's blessing. You 

have it — 
Kate, {Jumping up,) No, no, not that. He is as bitter against 

you as ever and called you names that I should not dare repeat 

before you. 
Fred. For the last time I ask you, Kate, will you forsake that man ? 
Kate. {Throwing herself into Burr's arms,) This is your answer. 
Burr. {Caressing her.) And, Kate, I will never forsake you. 

TABLEAU. 
END OF ACT II. 

Fred, Graham, 

O O 

Blenn. Mrs. B. Kate, Col. Burr, Theo. Alston, 

o o o o o o 



act in. 



Scene : Same as in Act II. Time, 1806, a month later. Company 
discovered when curtain rises, seated around the room. 



Dr. H. Alston. Kate. 



Blenn. Burr. 

O O 



Theo. 
O 



Mrs. B. 
O 

Mrs. B. {Rising and coming to *.) Yes, Harman and myself are 
both great lovers of the drama — and admirers of Shakespeare. 
But, living here, we have no opportunities to visit the theatre. 

Burr. I suppose then that reading takes the place of counterfeit 
presentment. 

Mrs. B. Yes, but we have improved somewhat in that. 

Theo. I should like to see you act, my dear Mrs. Blennerhassett. 

Mrs. B. We do not act, but for our own pleasure, and sometimes 
with the intention of pleasing our guests, we all take part in the 
reading. I have copied out the lines for the characters of various 
plays ; each of us takes a book and reads at the proper time. In 
that way we secure that attention and interest which makes the 
reading a pastime for us all. 

Kate. It must be charming. 

Blenn. Margaret, we have the material here for a tragedy. Let us 
read " Macbeth." 

Burr. Yes ; I '11 be Macduff ; your husband Macbeth, and you, 
his ambitious wife. 

Mrs. B. {Taking books from table.} Nay, not so; you will be 
Macbeth {passes book), my husband Duncan and Banquo. 
{Passes books.) 



40 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Blenn. ( With a laugh.) In a double sense your victim, of Glamis, 
(to Col. Burr) and Cawdor. 

Mrs. B. (To Theo. and Kate.) You shall be the witches. (Passes 
books. ) 

Burr. They are witches. 

Mrs. B. (To Dr. H. and Alston.) And you, gentlemen? 

Dr. H. Is there a doctor in the play? 

Alston. Yes, two, one English and the other Scotch. We '11 both 
be doctors, and when we are not wanted professionally, we'll be 
the audience. 

Burr. I '11 not consent to that unless they will agree to applaud 
everything. 

Dr. H. and Alston. We will — we will ! 

(Mrs. B. comes C, with books. Insert speech. Scenes from "Mac- 
beth" to be selected. Suggest, Macbeth and Banquo's meeting 
with the witches. Then Lady Macbeth' s letter — then, the murder 
scene, in part, If desired, sleep-walking scene.) 

(Enter Ransome C, with letter. Starts back — drops letter. ) 

Blenn. What is it, Ransome? 

Ransome. A — letter, sir — letter — for — Mrs. Alston. 

Theo. (Running C.) From home. (Takes letter, breaks seal, 

reads.) Oh — he 's ill, I must go at once — oh ! he may be dead. 
(Falls in chair. Burr, Alston, Kate, Mrs. B. rush forward.) 
Burr. Who is ill — not Gamp? (Exit Ransome C.) 

Alston. (Taking letter, reads.) Yes ; my sister, in whose charge we 

left him says he is ill — not dangerously — but Gamp says his 

mother must come back to him, or he will die. 

Theo. And his mother must go to him at once. There must be no 
time lost. 

Blenn. You have two hours before the stage leaves Marietta for the 
East. 

Theo. I will be ready if our kind friends will aid me — I am so 

weak. 
(Mrs, B, and Kate lead Theo. out R.) 
Burr. (To Alston.) And you — 



BLENNERHASSETT. 41 

Alston. I must go with her. And, yet, in her weak state, the long 

and arduous journey — no proper medical care. I am fearful of 

the result to her. 
Dr. H. I was going east in a week's time for a business purpose. 

I will accompany you, and if my skill — 
Burr. Doctor, you have won my gratitude for life. My daughter is 

dearer to me than my own life, and yet, in such a case as this, 

how powerless is a father's love. 
Blenn. My man Ransome had better go with them to Mariettas 

and farther, {to Alston) if you desire. If you wish, you can take 

him home with you. He is a great traveller, and we have plenty 

of servants and to spare. 
Burr. He would be of great service. 
Blenn. Then he goes ; that is settled. I will not hear one word 

from you. {To Alston.) Sir, you must not refuse. 
Alston. I will not refuse your great kindness ; but I must say more 

than one word to thank you for your — 
Burr. And I will remain here after you are gone and keep on 

thanking him, Joseph. But you and the Doctor had better pre- 
pare at once for your journey. 
Alston. We will. Come, Doctor. {Alston and Dr. H. exit R.) 

{Enter Ransome, C.) 
Blenn. Come here, you rascal. 
Ransome. Yes, Massa. {Comes C.) 

Blenn. Ran. Burr. 
OOO 
Blenn. What 's the matter — anything on your mind? 
Ransome. Yes, Massa. Man to see you — sailor man — 
Blenn. {Aside.) He here again. {To Ransome.) Well, his 

business is not important. Let him wait. Ransome, I am going 

to send you away. 
Ransome. Good Lor', don't, Massa. I will be a good nigger. 

{Drops on his knees and clasps Mr. Blennerhassetfs knees.) Don't 

send poor Ransome away. How will you ever shoot the birds, or 

catch fish, or — 

Blenn. If I don't have you to do it for me? I «:!on't know. I 
think it will be necessary to buy my game. 



42 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Burr. Learn to do that, Mr. Blennerhassett, and I will soon make 
a politician — no, I mean a statesman, of you. The kind marks- 
man sells both game and the credit of shooting it — for cash. 

Blenn. So much the worse then for honest sport, and the country 
of the politician — I mean statesman. Get up, Ransome. {Ran- 
some rises.) I am not going to send you to South Carolina 
because you are a bad nigger, but because you are a good one. 

Ransome. Did you say Souf Car'lina, Massa? 

kB/enn. Yes, South Carolina. You are going home with Mrs. Alston 
and her husband. Are you sorry you are going? 

Ransome. Sorry for some, and glad for some, Massa. My old 
mother lives down in Souf Car'lina. 

Blenn. And you shall go and see her. Col. Burr, tell your son-in- 
law that Ransome is to see his old mother before he returns ; 
and here is money — - 

Burr. No, I will pay that, or my son will; no refusal; you are 
as obstinate a man as myself. I will see if I can be of any service 
to my daughter. {Bows and exit R.) 

Blenn. Show in the man, Ransome, and then get ready for your 
journey. Don't stop to say good-bye now. 

Ransome. Bless you, Massa, and my old mother will bless you too. 

{Exit Ransome C.) 
Blenn. How cheap blessings are. 

Ransome. {Offstage C.) This way, sir. 

Blenn. And curses too. 

{Enter Graham, in sailor's dress, C, followed by Ransome.) 

Graham. {To Ransome, sailor style.) My colored friend, don't 
be too particular about showing me the way. I 've been here 
before. {Ransome exit C. To Blenn., natural lone.) Do you 
recognize me? 

Blenn. I have a good memory, but I never before knew that the 
government of the United States used detectives in disguise to do 
its bidding. 

Graham. That is because detectives seldom disclose their identity 
to suspected parties. 

Blenn. {Rising, excitedly.) Sir ! 



BLENNERHASSETT. 43 

Graham. {Coolly.) But in your case, as you are not a suspected 
party, I throw off my disguise. 

Blenn. If I am not a suspected party, why come here at all? 

Graham. Because there is a dark and portentous storm-cloud 
gathering in the horizon which will burst in the near future, 
and cause sad fatalities within that unsuspecting circle — your 
home. The Government sends me, not to suspect you, but to 
warn you. 

Blenn. Were I really in danger of being innocently drawn into a 
questionable proceeding, this solicitude of the government would 
be paternal, friendly, and worthy of my deepest gratitude. Such 
not being the case, I have no such feelings of gratitude, but I will 
admit that I have united with Col. Burr in a plan for colonizing 
and improving a large tract of country, and Col. Burr has already 
paid a Kentucky gentleman forty thousand dollars for it. 

Graham. And what reason does Burr give for buying this land, — 

is he going to found an empire ? 
Blenn. Yes. 
Graham. {Aside.) This is a confession. {To Blenn.) Then 

Burr has spoken of his designs ? 

Blenn. Col. Burr and myself have a design in common, — to found 

an empire of sturdy yeomanry, willing emigrants from oppression 

in Europe. We shall sell this land in one-hundred acre lots for 

farms, and — 
Graham. You two gentlemen will govern this country within a 

country ? 
Blenn. No; but we hope to make a million dollars by the scheme. 
Graham. And this you think is all? 
Blenn. It is all — of our dealings, of my admissions — and of our 

interview. Do you know the way out, sir? 
Graham. Thank you, yes, {aside) and the way in again. {Going 

Up stage C.) I can take a hint, sir. 
Blenn. {Curtly.) Take it then, and your departure at the same 

time, sir. 
Graham. As you say, sir, — but when the President of the United 

States advises me to, I shall make bold to call on you again. 

Good morning, sir. {They bow, Graham exit C). 



44 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Blenn. Am I mistaken in this man Burr? {Thinks.) I think not. 
I wish all men were as frank and honorable. No ; such a man 
could not be base — no such loving father could intentionally 
bring dishonor on such a daughter. This suspicion of Burr and 
his friends is but part of a system of political and social ostracism. 
Perhaps President Jefferson, successful as he is, is yet jealous of 
his defeated rival, and hopes to crush him utterly. If that is 
his scheme, he will find that a Blennerhassett will not aid him. 
The true Irish blood always boils when rulers plot against the 
people ! 

{Enter R., Burr, Mrs. Blenn., Kate, Theo., while Dr. J7., Ransonie 
and Alston, enter from C, Theo., Dr. H., Alston and Ransonie 
are attired in out- door garments.) 

Burr. Now, my darling Theo, say au revoir, not farewell, to your 
dear good friends, Mr. and Mrs. Blennerhassett, to your sister 
Kate, and to your father. {Theo. falls into his arms.) 

Theo. It is so sad to part from you all. Give me a little time, 
father. 

Burr. Doing unpleasant things gradually is great folly ; a pro- 
tracted torment. Have you forgotten your father's precepts? 

Mrs. B. They must be Spartan in their severity, Col. Burr. 
Perhaps a mother's tender teachings have had more influence 
than your own. 

Theo. { With animation.) I had rather not live, than not be the 
daughter of such a man. 

Mrs. B. Colonel, I am answered. 

Burr. My daughter, we poor mortals do not influence fate. Fate 
governs us with an iron, inflexible hand ; and it 's our duty, as 
humble instruments, to be passive. Control yourself, my child. 

Theo. ' T is not for myself so much as for those I love. I go from 
one sorrow to another. 

Burr. Have no fear for me. With my good friend Blennerhassett 
I have business in view. We shall be busy, and busy men are 
healthy, happy, and long lived. If anything does happen, Theo, I 
shall wish you with me. 

Theo. If the worst comes, I will leave everything to suffer with you. 



BLENNERHASSETT. 45 

Burr. If the worst comes, I shall be through suffering. (To 
Alston.) Take her, Joseph. She is moody and fretful ; she is ill- 
fitted for cold blasts and wintry storms ; guard her well, Joseph. 
(Kisses her forehead.) Au revoir, Theo ; tell Gamp to get well 
at once or incur my deep displeasure. 

(Mr. and Airs. Blenn., and Kate say good-bye to Theo. They 
embrace and kiss each other. Ransome comes forward to Mrs. 
Blenn.) 

Ransome. Good-bye, missis. I '11 tell my poor old mother all about 
you. 

Mrs. B. And when you come back, you can tell me all about your 
dear old mother. 

Blenn. Is the carriage ready? 

Ransome. Yes, massa. All ready, ladies and gentlemun. 

(Ransome exit C.) 

Burr. ( To Mr. and Mrs. B. ) Stay here, please, and I will see 

them safely under way. One touch more at her heartstrings will 

break her down and render the journey impossible for days. 

( Going up stage?) The carriage is ready, the time is but sufficient. 

Good-bye, Joseph, Dr. Hosack. (Shakes hands.) The carriage 

is here. Come. 
(Col. Burr leads his daughter out C. Business. Dr. H. and Alston 

take leave of Mr. and Mrs. Blennerhassett and Kate. Exit C. 

Kate goes to door and looks out.) 
Kate. They 're off. (Blenn. jumps up excitedly?) 
Mrs. B. What 's the matter, Harman ? 
Blenn. I forgot to say good-bye to Ransome, and I promised him 

I would. (Runs out C. hastily.) 
Kate. (Coming to Mrs. Blenn.) Your husband is tender-hearted 

too, Mrs. Blennerhassett, you must love him dearly. 
Mrs. B. When two persons love each other dearly, both are apt 

to be tender-hearted. 
Kate. I 'm afraid I am not tender-hearted. 
Mrs. B. That is because you do not love — the right one — as 

dearly as you ought. 

Kate. Do you think so, Mrs. Blennerhasset ? Did I do wrong in 
being true to my benefactor ? 



46 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Mrs. B. Not wrong in being true to him, — not wholly right, in 
not being true to both. You are both self-willed and impetuous. 
The feeling that divides you is unworthy of both of you, and no 
one would like to see you happy more than your benefactor. 
You made a scene, and he had but one course to pursue. All 
lovers' quarrels should be duels without seconds, not battles, with 
spectators on the house tops. 

Kate. Thank you, Mrs. Blennerhassett. I wish I could be as 
happy as you are. I will go to my room and think of your words, 
and of — 

Mrs. B. Frederic? 

Kate. And of Theodosia. {Exit R.) 

Mrs. B. A proud girl, but I think a true and honest one. I will 
yet bring Frederic and Kate together. 

{Enter Blenn. and Col. Burr, arm in arm C.) 

Burr. The confidence you have seen fit to place in me is 
extremely flattering, and it would seem that there has been, with- 
out explanation, a sort of consent between our minds. 

Mrs. B. {Coming C.) I agree with you, Col. Burr. You are the 
only man I ever saw who could appreciate my husband, and, at 
the same time, fulfil all his ideal of what a friend and companion 
should be. 

Burr. To hear such commendation is pleasant, but doubly so when 
your voice and manner show plainly that your husband's choice of 
a friend is not repugnant to yourself. 

Mrs. B. Repugnant? I am delighted that Harman has found 
some one who dares to tell him that Blennerhassett Island is not 
the world. 

Blenn. I wish all parts of the world were as enjoyable as Blenner- 
hassett Island. 

Burr. So do I. So does the lazy oriental prince wish always to be 
surrounded with effeminate comforts. Such pleasure is merely 
passive. The pursuit of personal gratification invariably ends in 
selfishness. 

Blenn. Well, to please you both, for I see you are in league against 
me, I will acknowledge that I am both lazy and selfish, and that I 
can live happily and die peacefully in this little paradise. 



BLENNERHASSETT. 47 

Mrs. B. But think, Harman. You* have a growing family; they 
will soon demand advantages that others can bestow better than 
ourselves, and, with such large outgo and no income, your fortune 
will steadily diminish . 

Burr. I have no doubt your wife states the case just as it is. Par- 
don me if I presume when I say I think you are deserving of a 
higher sphere. Your talents and acquirements seem to have des- 
tined you for something more than vegetable life, and since the 
first hour of our acquaintance I have considered your seclusion as 
a fraud on society. 

Blenn. You drew your picture, Margaret, in too dark colors. We 
are not poor, nor in danger of becoming so ; but the increased 
expenses you mention may swallow the interest and menace the 
principal. My object in joining Col. Burr in his land scheme 
is to increase my private fortune, but to do that will not draw me 
from my home. 

Burr. Not at first ; but if our success equals my anticipations, we 
shall need your presence, and I know your wife will be filled with 
pleasure when you are restored to the social and active world. 

Blenn. For Margaret's sake and that of our dear children, I will try 
to conquer my selfish delight in this, my island paradise. Can I 
do more than ask to be admitted to partnership in any speculation 
which may present itself to your judgment as worthy to engage 
my talents? 

Burr. Frankly and nobly spoken, sir. Let us be seated while I 
unfold to yourself and wife a scheme which has in it the elements 
of wealth, pleasure, popularity, and, it may be, in time, power. 
{They sit.) 

Mrs. Blenn. Burr. Blenn. 

o o o 

The subject of securing land in the Southwest has been in my 
mind for years. This purchase from Col. Charles Lynch of four 
hundred thousand acres, lying between the Sabine and Nachi- 
toches rivers, is my first move towards the realization of my pro- 
jects. I have paid down five thousand dollars — 

Blenn. I will be ready with my part at the time appointed. 

Burr. {Graham looks in L.) But this land purchase is but a 
commercial enterprise ; but it will lead to a glorious military 
adventure in which I wish you to engage. (Graham exit Z.) 



48 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Blenn. (Jumping up excitedly?) Then I wash my hands of the 
whole affair, Col. Burr. {Mrs, Blenn. and Burr rise and look at 
Blenn. with astonishment.) I am a citizen of the United States, 
and I will never bear arms except in its defence, obedient to that 
law that makes it a pleasure for a patriot to sacrifice his life for 
his native land. 

Burr. Give me your hand, {Blenn. draws back) and rest assured 
that Aaron Burr will never ask you to raise your hand against 
others than enemies of our country. 

Blenn. {Aside.) Perhaps the President was right, after all. 
{Hesitatingly.) I do not understand you. 

Burr. I see you do not, and it is my fault. Let us resume our 
seats. ( They sit. ) 

Blenn. Mrs. B. Burr. 

o o o 

I am in a position to know some official secrets. Among them 
is the probability of a war with Spain. 

Blenn. {Excitedly.) If the United States declares war against 
Spain I am willing to follow you, Col. Burr, in any legal enter- 
prise for the subjugation of the Spanish dominion in this country, 
— like the treatment of my native land, the relics of an abomi- 
nable and heartless tyranny. 

Burr. And when I tell you that my plan is to wait until this war 
cloud is ready to burst, then enlist recruits in the West from 
among the purchasers of our lands, form a private expedition 
against Mexico, conquer it with its untold wealth, and then lay 
the prize at the feet of a grateful country, shall we fail in obtain- 
ing our reward? They will not and cannot deprive us of the 
honest glory that we shall win. Yourself the Governor, I your 
trusted friend, your wife the first lady in the land, my daughter 
and Kate at her side. Can you look on this picture of life, action, 
heroic, patriotic accomplishment and still think of books and 
crucibles, of flowers and music? Are there any sweeter sounds 
than the trumpet's clangor and the cannon's roar, where the 
trumpet shouts freedom to an oppressed people, and the cannon 
secures their liberty? But I am excited. No doubt my words 
will terrify your wife and disturb her peace of mind. She may 
one day wish that I had never entered your happy home. 



BLENNERHASSETT. 49 

Mrs. B. Do not forget, Col. Burr, that my grandfather was a. 
soldier, and that the daughters of England are as brave as her 
sons. Your words make my blood thrill in my veins, but Har- 
man is as cold as a stone. 

Blenn. Oh, no, Margaret, I am excited, but I don't show it by 
words or looks. But I am thinking ; and that reminds me that 
I have been experimenting in my laboratory on a new explosive 
compound which will render gunpowder useless in warfare. 
Come to the laboratory, and while I am experimenting we can 
talk over this scheme of yours. 

Burr. This scheme of ours. 

Mrs. B. This scheme of ours, Harman. 

Blenn. Well, this scheme of ours. 

{Blenn. exit R., followed by Col. Burr and Mrs, B., she leaning on 
his arm. Enter Graham from L. cautiously.) 

Graham. I have heard enough to warrant me in taking the deci- 
sive step which the President left to my discretion. I have pro- 
vided first by arranging for the military authorities of Ohio to 
make the arrest. An officer named Clarke is in command of the 
detail. I must see him at once. The safest way out is the old 
way, by the veranda. {Exit L. cautiously.) 

{Enter Clarke in uniform, C.) 

Clarke. I wonder what is going on. I am detailed to await secret 
orders, and with my company have spent the day so far on the 
other side of the river. I could not resist the temptation to see 
Kate once more. I hear that two gentlemen and a lady went to 
Marietta this morning — one was Burr, the pother his son, and the 
lady his daughter. Kate must be alone here. I will do as Kate 
says. What can it matter, after all, what I think or say of Col. 
Burr ? Is it any more for me to say I do not hate Burr when I do, 
than it is for me to say I don't like Kate when I do? {Throws 
himself in chair, Z., being shielded from view. Kate enters R., and 
goes C, looking from door.) 

Kate. {Coming down stage a short distance.) Frederic ! Frederic ! 
{Clarke listens.) Why, how foolish. I thought I heard his voice. 
And if I did, what would he think of me if he heard me calling 
his name — so tenderly? 



5<D BLENNERHASSETT. 

Clarke. {Jumping up. Kate screams, runs R.) He would think 
just what he does, and always has — that you do love him. {He 
embraces Kate.) He knows and confesses that he loves you, and 
only a foolish pride, a useless resentment, has prevented him from 
saying those words that would remove all differences, and bring 
our loving hearts together for life. 

Kate. {Archly.) And you will say those words and give up that 
useless resentment? If you will, do not say too much, for I am 
not angry now; and when you yield, shall I be less kind, less 
yielding? {Aside.) I wish Mrs. Blennerhassett could hear me. 

Clarke. Let me say then, politically I am still opposed to Col. Burr. 
We differ as two honest men can without losing our respect for 
each other, For what he has done for you, and others, as friend 
and benefactor, I can respect — and — and — 

Kate. And what, Frederic? 

Clai-ke. And love him ! There, it is out. {Kate throws herself 
into his arms.) 

Kate. This moment of happiness makes up for so many days of 
misery, so many heartaches. Oh, Frederic ! {Buries her face 
on his shoulder.) 

Clarke. And carries me back to that beautiful morning — 

Kate. Don't, don't speak of that morning, Frederic. Let us begin 
a new life this day, and put all the bitter past away. 

Clarke. Kate, we will. ( They embrace. Enter Graham, C, stops, 
then advances, brusquely.) 

Graham. Do I address Captain Clarke ? 

{Fred, turns quickly. Kate goes Z.) 

Clarke. That is my name, sir. And your business ? 

Graham. Is private — for your ear alone, begging the lady's 

pardon. 
{Fred, goes R. with Kate, Graham L.) 
Kate. And you will come and see me as soon as your business is 

attended to? 
Clarke. At once. 
Kate. And you are sure you can greet my foster father, Col. Burr, 

and take your wife with his blessing? 



BLENNERH ASSETT. 5 1 

Clarke. No word or act of mine shall ever tend to recall past 
differences or make new ones between myself and Col. Burr, 
your foster father. {They clasp hands.) 

{Kate exit R., looking back smilingly at Frederic.) 

Clarke. {Walking C.) Now, sir, I am at your service. 

Graham. Have you instructions from your superior officer, Col. 

Phelps ? 
Clarke. I have, to obey such orders as may be given me by one 

named — 
Graham. Graham, that is the name, is it not? 
Clarke. It is. 

Graham. Does that convince you I am the party? {Shows paper.) 
Clarke. {Looking at it.) It does. 
Graham. What do you consider your duty if I give you an order 

to arrest two parties ? 
Clarke. My duty as a soldier is to obey orders, regardless of 

personal consequences. 
Graham. And you will do it? 
Clarke. This is useless trifling, sir, and hints at an imputation that 

no honest man would not resent. 
Graham. Pardon me, but when a man is selected to carry out the 

will of the President of the United States, there must be no 

possible doubt of his fitness. 
Clarke. The President? 
Graham. Yes, and this paper empowers you to arrest Aaron Burr 

for high treason, and Harman Blennerhassett as an accomplice 

and accessory. 
Clarke. No, sir, I cannot do it. I will not ! 
Graham. Why not? 
Clarke. Because I cannot. 

Graham. What prevents a soldier from doing his duty? 
Clarke. The sacred tie of friendship. Spare me this blow, Mr. 

Graham. Anyone else can serve this as well as I. Mr. and Mrs. 

Blennerhassett are my dearest friends, and as innocent as you or 

I of such a crime. 
Graham. Well, is Col. Burr also one of your dearest friends ? 



52 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Clarke. {Impetuously.} He has been my greatest enemy, but — 
there are reasons — 

Graham. Personal ones? I thought you said an honest soldier 

spurned such trifles. 
Clarke. Trifles ? Oh ! my God, if you only knew — 
Graham. Tell me. 

Clarke. I cannot. It is too sacred a trust. 

Graham. Tell me, or do your duty. Refuse to do the first, and 

you must serve the writ of arrest. Decide ! There is no time to 

lose. {Clarke in great excitement — suddenly turns to Graham.) 

Your answer. 

Clarke. I will not tell you my reasons. 

Graham. Come, then; lead your men here, and do your duty, or 

a court martial will bring out your cherished secrets. 
(Graham exit C, beckons to Fred., who with an agonizing glance 

towards R., exit C). 
(Enter Mr. and Mrs. Blenn., and Col. Burr, R. The latter has a 

large map in his hands , which he places upon a table.) 
Burr. I knew I was not mistaken in you, Mr. Blennerhassett. 
Pardon my presumption, but I have gone on the assumption from 
the first, that you would join me. I have done much in a quiet 
way since I have been under your friendly roof. 
Blenn. You haven't had time to do a great deal since you bought 

the land. 
Mrs. B. Now, we shall know the secret of those numerous visits to 

Marietta. 
Burr. Yes, you shall know. It is your right. I have made 
a contract for the building of fifteen large bateaux to take our- 
selves, our emigrants and their goods to our new empire on the 
Washita. One of these boats is to be a palace, for yourself and 
Mrs. Blennerhassett, with a fire-place, and glass windows. 
Mrs. B. That will be delightful ; I always loved the water. 
Blenn. So do I, but I shall miss Ransome when there is any fish- 
ing going on. 

Burr. As soon as we are established, Alston, who is heart and soul 
with me, and Theo and Gamp will join us. Our boats will hold 
five hundred men. I shall have no lack of recruits. Our enter- 



BLENNERHASSETT. 53 

prise is to be a peaceful one, until the United States declares war 
against Spain ; then we and our band of pioneers will aid the 
Mexicans to throw off the Spanish yoke ; we will form a demo- 
cratic empire, and enrich ourselves until our wealth shall put to 
shame the dreams of romance. 

Tableau : — Burr intoxicated with enthusiasm. Mrs. Blenn. looks 
admiringly at Burr, while Blenn. hardly seems to comprehend the 
magnitude of Burr's scheme. Kate looks in R.) 

Kate. Do I intrude? 

Mrs. B. Not at all ; come in ; you can join our conspiracy. 

Kate. {Enters.) Are you all conspiring? Not against me, I hope. 
I came to ask advice from friends, not to encounter enemies. 

Burr. My dear Kate, I hope you will never meet worse enemies 
than we are. 

Kate. I know I can never find truer friends. 

Blenn. Ah ! what 's that. I imagined — of course I didn 't — 1 im- 
agined that I saw the captain from my laboratory window ; that 
was when I burned my finger, my dear. 

Kate. I will tell the truth ; he was here, and he said — 

Burr. What, again ? That is the third time he has proposed. 

Kate. But it was the first time that he ever said that no word or act 
of his should ever tend to recall past differences or make new ones 
between himself and Col. Burr. There, I think I have said it word 
for word. 

Mrs. B. Let me congratulate you, Kate. Frederic is a noble 
fellow. 

Blenn. So he is. We will have a big wedding here, and close 
with a dance, and then the guests can row home by moonlight on 
the Ohio. 

Kate. Won't it be lovely? {Enter Frederic C.) Why, there is 
Frederic. {Kate, Mr. and Mrs. B tenner has sett, and Burr go to 
meet him. He refuses to shake hands, does not notice Kate, and 
stands C. with a firm look on his face. All astonished.) 

Clarke. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the saddest moment of my 
life, when it should be the happiest. I have a most disagreeable 
duty to perform — 

Kate. {Going to him.) Are you going to take back your promise? 



54 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Clarke. {Deliberately opening paper.) By this document I am 
directed by the governor of Ohio to arrest Aaron Burr for high 
treason, and Harman Blennerhassett as an accessory. 

{Kate gives a shriek and falls at Clarke's feet, Mrs. Blennerhassett 
turns to her husband who stands and looks irresolute. Burr, with 
a smile, looks at Clarke.) 

Burr. I am to be blessed with a most dutiful and respectful son- 
in-law. 

Kate. Frederic, this must not be. How could you ? Why did you 
not warn me, so he could escape ? 

Burr. His plans were well laid, but they will miscarry. He was 
willing to play the hypocrite to gain your hand, Kate, when he 
knew that in a short time he would disgrace your foster-father in 
your eyes. 

Clarke. You wrong me cruelly, Col. Burr. The Blennerhassetts 
have been my dearest friends — 

Burr. Have been! Well qualified. You say your document is 
given by the governor of Ohio ; this island lies within the juris- 
diction of Virginia. 

Clarke. The warrant is issued at the President's request ; he is 
not likely to have made such a mistake. 

Burr. Why not? It is not necessary for the President of the 
United States to be a scholar. Proceed, young man, to serve 
your warrant, but first consider the consequences to yourself. 

Clarke. I shall perform my duty as a soldier, whatever may befall 
me. You both must go with me to Marietta. 

Burr. And if I refuse. If I resist this base and unexampled vio- 
lation of the sanctity of a happy home. If I repel the accusation 
against Mr. Blennerhassett and myself with the scorn and con- 
tempt it deserves. Are you the man to be the tool of a political 
conspiracy to wreak vengeance upon a rival, defeated, but yet 
so strong as to be feared? 

Clarke. Resistance will avail you nothing. {Enter Graham, C. 
Blennerhassett sees him.) 

Blenn. {Aside.) That man ! 

Clarke. I hope and pray to Heaven that the innocence of both 
will be clear as the sun ; but it is to the people of America it 
must be proved, and not to me. 



BLENNERHASSETT. 55 

Graham. Captain Clarke, if you have not the courage to do your 

duty, I will call in the soldiers to aid you. 
Mrs. B. {To Frederic.} And have you deemed it necessary to 

bring a guard to assist you? Captain Clarke, you are a coward. 

{Mrs. B. looks indignantly at Fred., and exit C.) 
Kate. This must be a dream, Frederic, a horrid dream. 
Burr. {To Graham.) Mr. Spy, — excuse the name, but I know 

you by no other, — I will go with you, and convict my accusers 

of conspiracy and perjury — 
Graham. You speak to me as though /were the criminal. 
Burr. A man who is guilty of intentional bad manners is capable 

of a crime. 
Graham. You know what the law is — 
Burr. Yes ; whatever is boldly asserted and plausibly maintained. 

Now, it is on your side, but you shall not take this innocent man 

from his home. If you should ever need him, it will not be 

necessary to bring a regiment of soldiers. Mr. Spy, I am your 

prisoner. I must deny Cap. Clarke the pleasure of taking me 

into custody. I deny his authority, but I bow to the will of His 

Majesty, the President. 
{Enter Mrs. B., excitedly C. At the instant a flash of light shows at 

back, gradually growing brighter . ) 
Mrs. B. Fly ! fly, all of you ! The soldiers have broken into the 

stores, and infuriated with liquor, they have set the stable on fire 

— and our happy home is doomed. {Falls in chair. Blenn. and 

Kate rush to her assistance.) 
{Lights down, red fire, shouts from the soldiers, reports from 

muskets. Mrs. Blenn., in despair, R., with Blenn. at his wit's 

end. Kate in tears. Clarke stands, abashed, L. C, up stage. 

Graham, C. Burr, R.) 



Kate. Blenn. 






Graham. 


Clarke. 


O O 






O 


o 


Mrs. Blenn. 








Burr. 


O 








O 




TABLEAU. 


CURTAIN. 






END 


OF 


ACT III. 





ACT IV. 



Scene : Aaron Burr's law office in New York City. Time, Decem- 
ber, 1812. Grate with fire, C, in flat. Portrait of Theodosia 
(covered) over mantel C. in flat. Door R. and L. R. to street. 
Burr's desk R. C. up stage. 

Portrait. 

Window. Grate. Window. 



Desk. Chair. Bookcase. 

Chair. Chair. Lounge. 

Door. Door. 



(As curtain rises Burr is discovered at desk R. } busily writing.) 

Burr. {Looking up.) With what opposite feelings of aversion and 
attraction did I return to my native land after an exile of four 
years. As I walked through the streets of Boston in disguise, 
under an assumed name, I questioned if it were not better that 
Aaron Burr should die a civil death and that Adolph Arnot should 
succeed to his fortune. (Laughs satirically.) My fortune? 
(Changing his manner.) No, that thought conquered me in a 
weak moment; it was unworthy of Aaron Burr, who still has 
fortune and fame before him. (Rises, comes C.) I came here, 
found friends as well as foes. My dear Troup gave me this 
office, put business in my way; in three weeks I have taken 
two thousand dollars in fees. With strength and will, and Theo- 
dosia and her boy — (Enter Ransome R. Rushing R.< grasping 
Ransome.) Welcome, Ransome, your old black face looks 
brighter than an angel's to me, for you bring me tidings from my 
daughter — from Theodosia and Gamp. Speak, are they well? 

Ransome. Lor' bless you, massa, they were well — very well, when 
I lef 'em mos' three weeks ago. Miss Theodosy, she was nervous 
like, because she had n't got no letter from you, and Massa Gamp, 
he well, he was a little ailin', but take 'em all together everybody 
was well. 



wmmm 



BLENNERHASSETT. 57 

Burr. Yes, yes ; poor girl. My letters must have often failed to 
reach her — and poor Gamp — just like his mother — such a 
slight physical frame that — {knock at door R.) Some one to see 
me on business. Ransome, you are tired. (Goes L.) Go in 
here and rest. (Opens door L.) 

Ransome. Thank you, massa. (Exit L.) 

(Another sharp rap at door R. Burr sits at desk.) 

Burr. Come in ! 

(Enter Graham, R. Looks at Burr — sign of recognition.) 

Graham. How do you do, Burr? 

Burr. Good morning, sir ! Have a chair ? How can I serve you ? 

Graham. (Impudently.) You can't serve me at all. I have come 
to serve a writ on you ; not the first time I have had that 
pleasure. 

Burr. What do you mean, sir? I never saw you before. 

Graham. Your memory is poor, Burr. Have you forgotten Blen- 
nerhassett's Island, and your arrest for treason by Mr. Graham, 
that's me, the special agent of the United States Government ? 
You have fallen considerably in public estimation since then, Burr. 
(Throws himself into chair and looks patronizingly at Burr.) 

Burr. You must have risen in public estimation. 

Graham. Why, how, sir ? 

Burr. Because any honest employment demands more respect 
than does the life of a spy and informer. 

Graham. Well, I won't get mad about that ; that 's all gone by, 
now. That duel of yours with Hamilton was a foolish piece of 
business. 

Burr. My friend Hamilton, whom I shot, if he could hear you, 
would doubtless agree with you. 

Graham. Hamilton was a gentleman in every respect. 

Burr. If I had not known that, I never would have met him. 

Graham. It' s a pity you were not always as particular about your 
company. You have aided a great many bad men, Burr, fellows 
with pretty black characters. 

Burr. They may be black to the world, I care not how black. 
They were ever white to me. 



58 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Graham. I am afraid their gratitude never did you much good. 

Burr. {Rising.) There you are mistaken. Let me give you an 
instance. After the attack on Quebec, during the retreat, I 
found an English officer dying from starvation. I gave him water 
and a piece of dried horse's tongue that I fortunately had with 
me. Thirty-six years after I met this officer in Scotland, and 
over a good dinner we fought our battles again. Since my return 
to New York I have met his daughter, and she is one of my 
dearest friends. I saved the life of an enemy, and made two 
friends. Is gratitude lacking there ? 

Graham. (Rising.) I've no time to listen to stories. How about 
this writ? (Burr looks at the paper.) What are you going to do 
about it? 

Burr. (Returning paper.) In two hours the claim shall be settled. 

Graham. (Going R.) Well, if it is n't, you know — 

Burr. ( With dignity.) Sir ! I said the claim would be settled 
in two hours. Good morning ! ( Graham looks at Burr, then 
exit R.) (Coming C.) The insolence of that fellow. But I con- 
quered myself, and that conquered him. (Goes to door L.) Ran- 
some ! Ransome ! 

(Enter Ransome L. ) 

Ransome. Good lor', massa, I 've been asleep. 

Burr. It has done you good. Go to the post-office for me, Ran- 
some. 

Ransome. Yes, massa. 

Burr. I expect a letter from Theodosia. Here is money for the 
postage. You know the way? 

Ransome. Yes, massa. (Exit R.) 

Burr. That claim that Graham has against me is an unjust one, 
but it would open many old wounds to defend myself as I could. 
I will pay it. To gain a footing here I will even submit to 
injustice. 

(Door R. is opened, Dr. Ho sack looks in. Burr faces L.) 

Dr. H. Does Col. Burr have an office here with Mr. Troup ? 

Burr. (Turning quickly.) Is that you, Dr. Hosack? Come in! 
(Dr. Hosack enters, Burr rushes to meet him. They shake hands.) 
I am delighted to meet you, doctor. 



BLENNERHASSETT. 59 

a 

Dr. H. And I 'm glad to see you again, after your long — 

Burr. Exile, doctor, call it by its right name. 

Dr. H. Burr, I remember when I heard you were at Mr. 
Blennerhassett's I avoided an interview, at first. 

Burr. Sit down, doctor. {They sit C.) What removed your antip- 
athy to me ? 

Dr. H. Your devotion to your daughter during her illness. I 
knew that such a loving father must have some good material 
in him. 

Burr. You are right, doctor. My love for my daughter is the best 
and truest part of me. My love for her and my ambition for mil- 
itary renown have been the moving springs of my life. 

Dr. H. But how about law, politics, and — and — the ladies ? 
{Laughs.) 

Burr. Never loved for themselves, but only as means to my end. 
I would rather conquer one city than a thousand hearts. I would 
rather write one military proclamation than a thousand briefs, or 
— four Presidential messages. 

Dr. H. I hope your health has been good. 

Burr. Poor health is a crime for which I could never forgive my- 
self. A sick man is a very contemptible animal, doctor. How 
have my enemies busied themselves during my absence? 

Dr. H. In discussing your political and social achievements. 

Burr. Has the bitterness against me on account of Hamilton's 
death died out to any extent? 

Dr. H. But little. The mere mention of your name leads his 
friends to revive the whole misfortune. 

Burr. Ah, doctor, if I had read Sterne more and politics less, I 
should have known that the world was wide enough for Hamil- 
ton and me. And the Blennerhassett matter? Has the public 
mind regained its reason? 

Dr. H. Your enemies still maintain that you intended to bring 
about a separation of the Union. 

Burr. {Indignantly.) What a baseless falsehood. I would as soon 
have thought of taking possession of the moon, and informing my 
friends that I intended to divide it among them. What other 
attacks am I subjected to? 



60 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Dr. H. Your past social victories have caused much animated 
discussion. By the way, Colonel, were you the gay Lothario they 
say you were ? 

Burr. I will answer you as a discreet maiden would. I never 
kiss, and tell ! 

Dr. H. That is what troubles them. Some say that you will 
tell, and mean to tell. They say you have in your possession let- 
ters that would compromise the fair fame of many ladies in high 
social position, and that it is your intention to use these letters as 
levers to lift you back into the social circle that now rejects but 
fears you. 

Burr. They can dismiss their foolish fears. I would as soon poison 
the springs and food that gave sustenance to my enemy as divulge 
one fact that would injure those ladies who have trusted me. 
Doctor, those letters are in safe hands. While I live they may 
protect me from unscrupulous enemies. When I am dead they 
shall be burned. They shall never be used for a post-mortem 
vengeance. Let me tell you a little story, doctor. One day I 
was looking at some of my love trophies, when I was startled by a 
knock at the door. I pushed the articles into the box and locked 
it, and then admitted my fair visitor. With true female intuition 
her eye lighted upon a scrap of ribbon which bound a lock of hair. 
" Come, tell me directly, what little French girl you have had here. 
Whose hair is this?" I summoned all my dignity, and said, 
" Madam, it belonged to a lady who was once under my protec- 
tion, and a woman who has ever been in these arms is sacred to 
me forever." 

Dr. H. And I suppose your fair visitor's confidence was strength- 
ened by your remarks. 

Burr. I have a very vivid recollection that it was. 

Dr. H. To own one's peccadilloes is manly, but is ic so to assume 
responsibilities that do not belong to you? You never denied 
publicly the assertions of Mrs. D., which you told me privately 
were untrue. 

Burr. Doctor, when a lady does me the honor to publicly name me 
as the father of her child, I trust I shall always be too gallant to 
show myself ungrateful for the favor. 

Dr. H. (Rising.) I must go. I have a patient to visit. 



BLENNERHASSETT. 6l 

Burr. Come back in an hour, doctor. I expect a letter from 
Theodosia, and I know you wish to hear from her. 

Dr. H. Certainly I do, and I will run in again. Good-bye, Colo- 
nel. I hope you will hear only the best of news. {They shake 
hands. Dr. Ho sack exit R.) 

Burr. Those letters ! They would fan the fiery feelings of many 
a brother, husband, and father, and lead to many a duel. No, I 
have had enough of duelling ; the dead man wins the battle after 
all. I will never use those letters as a weapon if they let me alone. 
If my enemies go too far — their sisters, wives, and daughters 
may give them good advice. {Knock at door R. Burr opens it. 
Enter Kate.) Why, I am delighted to see you, Mrs. — Mrs. — 

Kate. Not Mrs., but Miss. 

Burr. What, Miss yet? Well, madam, I venture to assert that it 
is not the fault of my sex. 

Kate. Why, yes, it is, too. It is your fault. Why, papa, you don't 
know me, do you? Have I so changed, or have you? 

Burr. What, Kate, my lovely Kate? {Embraces her.) 

Kate. Yes, Kate, plain Kate Embleton — as you left her eight years 
ago. 

Burr. Seven years change the man. No wonder it has taken one 
more year to change plain Kate into beautiful Kate. And your 
husband that was to be — 

Kate, Spoke love to me in one breath and called you such names 
with the next that we parted and I have not seen or heard of him 
for two years until to-day. 

Burr. Be guided by me, Kate ; he loves you. Don't let a poor 
old man like me stand between you any longer. 

Kate. One thing I heard of yesterday that reconciled me to marrying 
Frederic — for, papa, I do love him. Now listen; a man quar- 
relled with his wife and he has been adjudged insane and sent to 
an asylum. 

Burr. In such a case our lunatic asylums will soon be full of 
married men. 

Kate. Did you have a fine time in Europe ? 



62 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Burr. Like a year's weather, — some sunshine and some shadow. 
I saw Vanderlyn. 

Kate. The little boy you called the genius of the roadside ? 

Burr. Yes, and he is doing famously. I dined and wined with 
poets, authors, artists, diplomats, princes and princesses, and 
queens and kings. I put the kings last where they belong. Let 
me give you a maxim, Kate : read a book before you see the 
author. I was introduced to one in a Paris salon. He talked 
book for an hour, and as I had not read his work, you can faintly 
imagine my misery, but even that was not as painful as my ex- 
perience next day. 

Kate. Why, what happened then? 

Burr. I read his book. {Kate laughs.) 

Kate. What was it about ? 

Burr. The plot was beautiful. In Shakespeare's hands it could 
have been made famous for all time, but my poor literary friend 
was unequal to the task. 

Kate. W T hat was the story ? 

Burr. Only this simple tale of human anguish and misery. A poor 
Venetian gondolier loved a maiden of Austrian birth, whose sur- 
passing charms had attracted the attention of a gay young libertine, 
a member of the Venetian nobility. The young nobleman was 
sent on a diplomatic mission to Austria and during his absence the 
gondolier married the girl, and they became the happy parents of 
two lovely children. The nobleman returned. Filled with rage 
at the escape of the girl he declared the wife was an illegitimate 
child. She found friends to protect her good name, her father and 
mother were brought from Austria, and the wicked charge dis- 
proved, but the Devil helped the nobleman, for the truth came 
out during the trial that the man and wife were in truth brother 
and sister. {The picture.) 

Kate. Horrible ! 

Burr. The idiotic Frenchman closed the story in true French 
style. The young man went home with his father, the state took 
the children, and the nobleman took the poor woman who was a 
wife and yet no wife. 

Kate. Would Shakespeare have ended it more true to nature ? 



__ 



BLENNERHASSETT. 63 

Burr. Not untrue to nature, and that would have made the story 

deathless. The father and mother, guilty but yet guiltless, would 

have killed their children and then died in each other's arms. 

(A pause.} 
Kate. And would the public applaud that ? I have heard they do 

not like such tragic takings-off. 
Burr. In every theatre in Europe that I visited they have a parcel 

of rascals hired to applaud exerything, and they are paid extra 

for tears and lamentations. 
Kate. What displeased you most while in Europe ? 
Burr. The servants. My valet in Sweden was of no earthly use to 

me. He got drunk before dinner. {Both laugh heartily, .) 

Kate. {Suddenly.) Why, I'm ashamed of myself! How is 
Theodosia? 

Burr. I am expecting a letter every moment. Go and find Frederic 
and bring him here and we will read Theodosia's letter together. 
Not a word — go — and bring the young man before me. He 
shall marry you. {Kate laughs atid exit R.) 

Burr. What a power the voice and smile of a pretty woman has to 
drive away melancholy and make one cling to life. When Theo- 
dosia and her boy are with me again I can laugh at fate and pity 
my enemies. Ah ! I must borrow the money to pay that claim 
of Graham's. 

(Enter Ransoms R., with letter.) 

Burr. {Rushing R., and grasping the letter from Ransome.) 'T is 
from Theodosia ; it is her writing. Sit down, Ransome, while I 
read about my daughter and Gamp. (Ransome sits Z., Burr 
stands C.) Now I shall hear from Theodosia and Gamp. ( Opens 
letter and reads. The smile fades from his face and a look of agony 
takes its place. Ransome watches him.) 

Ransome. Bad news, massa? 

Burr. Yes ; bad news, and good news. My darling boy, my 
namesake — my Gamp — our Gamp is dead. Poor Theodosia, 
how lonesome she will be. 

Ransome. Poor Gamp. We had such nice times together. He 
always stood up for Uncle Ransome. Yes, massa, he called me 
uncle. But the good news, massa? 



64 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Burr. My daughter is coming to New York to see her father after 
a long separation — -nearly five years. {Door opens, enter Alston.) 
Joseph ! 

Alston. Father. {They embrace and stand speechless for an instant. 
Then they clasp hands, and with averted faces look away from each 
other. Ransome exit L. ) 

Burr. {Turning to Alston.) Our boy is gone. 

Alston. Yes, and Theodosia was almost distracted. I feared that the 
throbs of her almost broken heart would be too much for one in 
her weak condition. But she is her father's daughter. She sum- 
moned all her will power, and said, " No tie but you, Joseph, binds 
me here now. May I go to my father?" " Yes," I answered, 
" and I will go with you." But I had important business in Rich- 
mond and Washington, and so came by land. She could not 
undergo the fatigue, and so she is coming by boat. 

Burr. With what joy shall I clasp her in these arms again. During 
these long, weary years, Joseph, Vanderlyn's picture of Theodosia 
has been my companion, my joy, my solace. Do you know, when 
in Sweden I took it to Breda, a great Swedish painter, for renova- 
tion. When travelling, I rolled it up, but I did not know enough 
to roll the paint side out. In contrast with Breda's bright color- 
ing, Theodosia's picture seemed faded, and that impression has 
almost made me superstitious. {Looks at picture, C.) 

Alston. Dismiss the foolish fancy. We have suffered, but Theo- 
dosia is left to us. I shall remain here for the winter, and we 
shall be so happy. 

Burr. What vessel did she sail on ? 

Alston. The " Patriot." 

{Enter Dr. Hosack, R.) 

Dr. H. Well, Alston, glad to see you. How are you? How is 
your wife and little Gamp? {Alston turns away.) 

Burr. Doctor, Gamp is dead, and my bereaved daughter is on her 
way to New York. We are going to the wharf to see if there are 
any tidings. Come with us. {Enter Ransome Z.) Ransome, I 
will return in a short time. {Burr, Dr. If., and Alston exit R. 
Ransome sits on lounge, L.) 



-- « 



BLENNERHASSETT. 65 

Ransoms . Poor Gamp. He called me Uncle Ransome. We used 
to go riding together, and fishing, and he never said a cross word 
to me in all his life. {Rap at door, R. Ransome goes R. and 
opens door. Enter Mr. and Mrs. Blennerhassett. Ransome 
starts back in astonishment.*) Good Lor' preserve us. What ! 
Massa and Missis Blennerhassett here? Why, I have n't laid eyes 
on you since I went to Souf Car'lina five years ago. {Mr. and 
Mrs. Blennerhassett enter, Cross to L., and sit on lounge.) 

Mrs. B. We have been through much suffering and many priva- 
tions since we last met, Ransome. 

Ransome. So has Massa Burr. 

Mrs. B. I am glad to hear it ! 

Blenn. Hush, Margaret. 

Ransome. Miss Theodosia's boy, little Gamp, is dead. The news 
just came, this very minute. 

Mrs. B. Harman, he is bowed beneath a great affliction. Perhaps 
in his own distress he will be mindful of the miseries of others. 
Will he return soon ? 

Ransome. In a few minutes. 

Blenn. Margaret, I dread this interview. I am so weak — I wish 
the time for meeting him was not so soon, and so sudden, as it 
will be. 

Ransome. {Going L.) Come in here, Massa Blennerhassett — I 
will tell him you are here, when you are ready. 

{Mrs. Blenn. exit L. Ransome walks with Blenn. to door L. 
Blenn. turns to Ransome.) 

Blenn. And your mother, Ransome, did you see her as you ex- 
pected to when you left us? 

Ransome. Bless you, massa, yes, — and Massa Alston bought her 
and we lived together until a year ago she died in these arms. 

Blenn. {Shaking hands.) You were always a good boy, Ransome. 

{Blenn. exit L.) 
{Enter Burr, R.) 

Ransome. Has she come, massa? 



66 BLENNERHASSETT. 

Burr, {Throwing himself in chair.) No, Ransome, no tidings. The 
boat is a week overdue, but there have been heavy storms on the 
North Carolina coast — and, there is still hope. Dr, Hosack and 
my son are at the wharf now. 

(Burr drops his face in his hands. Ransome stands silent, L. C. 
A pause.) 

Ransome. Massa Burr ! (Burr pays no attention.) Massa Burr ! 

Massa Burr ! (Burr looks up, Ransome points L.) 
Burr. (Jumping up excitedly.) In there? What, Theodosia? 

Why did n't you tell me before? (Burr rushes L. Ransome 

after him, wringing his hands. Burr opens door L.) Theodosia ! 

Theodosia, come to your father. (Mrs. Blenner has sett appears at 

door L. Burr starts back.) Good God! Margaret Blenner- 

hassett — here? 
(Burr goes R., Mrs. Blennerhassett etiters followed by Blennerhassett.) 
Mrs. B. Yes, Col. Burr, we intrude upon your privacy as you once 

did on ours. Your unwelcome guests are Harman Blennerhassett 

and his wife Margaret — your victims. 
(Ransome exit L.) 

Burr. You find me suffering from a domestic affliction. 
Mrs. B. And you find us both suffering from a domestic affliction. 

There is, thus, a partnership in misery between us. 
Burr. We once contemplated a more pleasing partnership. 

Mrs. B. Yes ! And why did you seek it ? Why did you ever 
enter our innocent, happy home? Why did not the flowers 
wither at your approach ? Shall I tell you why you came as a 
destroyer and turned our paradise into a hell? Because your 
mind was tortured with remorse for the unfortunate duel with 
Hamilton ; because you were sickened by disappointment in 
political preferment ; because you were disgusted with President 
Jefferson's just and pacific policy with all nations, — it was for 
these reasons that you sought to bury the disquietudes that were 
tearing your soul, by plunging into deeds of such wonderful 
magnitude. (Burr looks coolly at Mrs. Blennerhassett, Blenner- 
hassett leans heavily upon his wife.) Col. Burr, physical weakness 
obliges my husband to sit in your presence. ( Mrs. Blennerhassett 
leads Blennerhassett to lounge upon which he sits.) You knew full 
well the advantages which wealth and influence would add to 



I 



BLENNERHASSETT. 6? 

your undertakings, and so you sought first to secure the co-oper- 
ation of the most conspicuous characters at that time living in 
the West. My husband was a shining treasure, too valuable to 
remain unnoticed. His wealth, his acquirements, his influence 
convinced you that he would be a powerful auxiliary in your 
schemes. Like the serpent in Eden, you wound yourself into 
the open and unpractised heart of my unfortunate husband, 
and craftily, by degrees, infused into it the poison of your own 
ambition. 
Burr. Madam, do not mistake my silence for self -conviction or 
remorse. Naturally, as a wife should, you have a good opinion of 
your husband. Love and not reason guides your judgment. 
Your husband was never a bad man ; he was always a weak one. 
A man of some knowledge, and but little common sense. He 
required no pursuading to enter into my southwestern scheme. 
Both of you were eager to embark in it, the moment it was men- 
tioned. Did I profit by his wealth ? Have I not lost all as well 
as you ? Do you doubt that if I had profited by your aid I would 
not, in good faith, like a man of honor, have made such money 
reparation as lay in my power ? 

Blenn. {Rising. ) Do you ask me that question, Col. Burr ? If so 5 
I will answer that I have long since ceased to consider refer- 
ence to your honor, resources, or good faith in any other light 
than as a scandal to any man offering it — unless he is sunk as 
low as yourself. 

Burr. Did I not repay some of the money — all that I could 
secure ? Did you not write such insulting letters to my son-in- 
law, demanding money in my name, that my daughter became 
convinced it was an audacious swindling trick, and called you 
"a low-bred coward"? Who is this Blennerhassett that holds 
a daughter accountable for her father's misfortunes ? 

Blenn. Who is Blennerhassett? Look at me, and answer your own 
question. Who was Blennerhassett? Memories of the happy 
past will aid me to answer that. I was a native of Ireland, a man 
of letters, to whom war was distasteful, and who fled from the 
storms of his own country to find quiet in this. I sought the 
solitude of the western forests. I built a home, yes, a palace. 
With my library, my philosophical researches, the delights of 
music, a lovely wife, and loving children, I was happy. In you, the 

LofC. 



68 BLENNERHASSETT. 

destroyer came. The dignity of your demeanor, your seductive 
conversation, and fascinating address made my conquest easy. In 
a short time my whole nature was changed, every object of my 
former delight I relinquished. Visions of diadems and titles of 
nobility, stories of great heroes and conquerors took the place of 
the innocent faces of my children and the smiles of my wife. The 
end came, the visions disappeared. My house was burned, my 
wife, driven from its shelter, shivered at night on the banks of the 
Ohio; my island became a wilderness again. Was ever the 
power of the tempter more plainly shown ; was ever ruin more 
complete? Aaron Burr, shrink not from your work; forget not 
that having ruined me in fortune, character, and happiness for- 
ever, you did not scruple to attempt to finish the tragedy by 
thrusting me between yourself and punishment. (Blenn. stops, 
gasps for breath.) Margaret ! (Blenn. falls upon the lounge. Ban- 
some enters from L., and bends over his old master. Mrs. Blenn. 
kneels beside her husband. Enter Kate and Frederic, R. Burr 
rises and rushes R., to meet them.) 

Kate, Your blessing ! We are married. ( Mrs. Blenn. looks R. ) 

Burr. {To Mrs. Blenn.) You see, I have made a few people 
happy. 

Mrs. B. And many miserable. 

{Enter Dr. Hosack and Alston R. Burr rushes R. to meet them.) 

Burr. Has she come ? 

Alston. Speak, doctor, I cannot. 

Dr. H. (Burr grasps Dr. H. and looks into his face.) Calm your- 
self, Burr. There may yet be hope, but all fear that the vessel is 
lost, with all on board. (Burr looks fixedly at Dr. H. All eyes 
are turned toward Burr.) Would to God, Burr, I could offer you 
some consolation. 

Burr. Consolation? Forme? /do not need it. /always accept 
the inevitable without repining. I was thinking of her. What a 
fate, poor thing. 

Alston. Do not lose all hope. There is a possibility, they say, that 
the vessel may have been captured by pirates, and she may be 
in prison. 



- 



BLENNERHASSETT. 69 

Burr. {Intensely.) No, an idle hope. She is indeed dead. She 
perished in a storm in that miserable little boat. Were she alive, 
all the prisons in the world could not keep her from her father. 
From this day forth the world is a blank to me, and life has lost 
its value. By this blow, I am severed from the human race. 

(E?iter Graham. He advances, but is pushed back by Dr. Hosack, 
who points to Burr.) 

Mrs. B. A terrible retribution ! 

Blenn. From the hand of Heaven ! 

Burr. ( Takes Alston by the arm and goes up stage ; pulls the cov- 
ering from the picture of Theodosia — Theodosia is seen — lime 
light.) Theodosia and her boy are in Heaven. (Kneels.) Thus 
dies ambition. Thus ends my dream. 

Blenn. And ours. 

Mrs. B. " The paths of glory lead but to the grave." 



Clarke. 
O 


Kate. 
O 


Portrait of 
O 

Alston. 
O 

Burr. 
O 


Theo. 


Blenn. 
O 

Mrs. B. 
O 


Graham, 
O 


Dr. Ho sack. 
O 






Ransomc 
O 



MUSIC. 

(Ransome stands L., with head bowed. Mrs. Blenn. drops her head 
upon her husband's breast. Alston stands with head bowed. Burr 
kneeling. Clarke and Kate with hands clasped. Graham and 
Dr. H., R.) 

TABLEAU. CURTAIN (slow) . 
END OF THE PLAY. 



Dec. 26, 1881. 






_flBI 



Au*. 901 



MAY 11 1901 



\ 



/ 
'I 



BLENNERHASSETT 



OR 



The Irony of Fate 



A DRAMATIC ROMANCE 

IN 

A Prologue and Four Acts 



Founded upon Incidents in the Life of Harman Blennerhassett, 

his wife Margaret, Aaron Burr, his daughter 

Theodosia, and Alexander Hamilton 



BY 

CHARLES FELTON PIDGIN 




BOSTON 

C. M. Clark Publishing Co. 

i 901 



\ 




! 



L. C. Bindery 
1904 



